Agent Orange

VA Terminology Definition

Plain English Definition

A toxic herbicide used during the Vietnam War that caused numerous health conditions in exposed veterans.

Why This Matters

Veterans who served in Vietnam, Thailand (certain bases), Korea (DMZ), or on ships in Vietnamese waters may be entitled to presumptive service connection for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers.

Example

A Vietnam veteran develops Type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Both are presumptive conditions for Agent Orange exposure - no nexus letter needed, just proof of service in Vietnam.