Agent Orange Registry Health Examinations and What to Expect

If during military service you think you were possibly exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides and toxic chemicals used during the Vietnam War, you can request a VA Agent Orange Registry health exam.

An Agent Orange Registry health exam is not the same as a Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P exam) for disability benefits. To get compensation for a medical condition related to Agent Orange exposure you must apply for benefits and have a C&P exam.

However, there are good reasons to get an Agent Orange Registry health exam. The exam could alert you to illnesses that may be related to contact with herbicides. Additionally, the registry helps scientists better understand and treat those who are affected by illnesses related to Agent Orange.

Who is Eligible for an Exam?

These veterans are eligible for the Agent Orange Registry health exam:

Vietnam

• Veterans who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, regardless of length of time.
• Veterans who served aboard smaller river patrol and swift boats that operated on the inland waterways of Vietnam.
• Veterans who served on S. Navy and Coast Guard ships that operated in Vietnam

Korea

• Veterans who served in a unit or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) anytime between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971.

Thailand

• Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Airforce (RTAF) bases near U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
• Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
• Army Veterans who were stationed on some small Army installations in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. However, the Army Veteran must have been a member of a military police unit or was assigned a military occupational specialty who duty placed him or her at or near the base perimeter.

Other Potential Agent Orange Exposures

• Veterans who may have been exposed to herbicides during a military operation or as a result of testing, transporting, or spraying herbicides for military purposes.
• Locations of herbicides tests and storage outside of Vietnam:
  • In the U.S – Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin
  • Outside of the U.S – Cambodia, Canada, India, Korea, Laos, Puerto Rico, Thailand, and at sea

What Happens During an Exam for the Agent Orange Registry?

At a health exam for the Agent Orange Registry a VA health care provider will ask about your history of contact with Agent Orange and/or other herbicides. In addition to your history of herbicide exposure, the exam includes:

• Your health history
• A physical exam
• Medical tests that may be needed

After the exam, a VA health care provider will go over the test results with you and provide you with a letter outlining the detail of your results.

Things to Know Before Your Exam

1. The exam is free for eligible veterans
2. The exam is NOT a disability compensation exam
3. You do NOT need to be enrolled in the VA’s health care system to participate
4. The exam is based on your recollection of service, not on your military records
5. The exam will NOT confirm or deny exposure to Agent Orange
6. You can receive additional Registry examinations if new problems develop
7. Your family members are not eligible for Registry health examinations

Learn More About the Agent Orange Registry

Veterans Help Group at 855-855-8992 or complete our free veterans benefits case evaluation form.