Public Health
Agent Orange Registry Health Exam for Veterans
VA's Agent Orange Registry health exam alerts Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to Agent Orange exposure during their military service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.
Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator about getting an Agent Orange Registry health exam.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your risk
Veterans have the same risk for Coronavirus infection and COVID-19 illness severity as the general population, based on the current understanding of this virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who are at higher risk for more severe complications from COVID-19 include older adults, smokers, and those with certain health conditions. Find the CDC’s full list of health conditions that increase the risk for more severe complications from COVID-19. Based on the best available science, Veterans without underlying health conditions listed by the CDC are not at an increased risk for illness severity. Learn about prevention, including wearing a mask, hand-washing and social distancing. Find the latest information about COVID-19 from VA. If you have specific health concerns, please contact your primary health care team.
About the Agent Orange Registry health exam
This comprehensive health exam includes an exposure history, medical history, physical exam, and any tests if needed. A VA health professional will discuss the results face-to-face with the Veteran and in a follow-up letter.
Important points about registry health exams:
- Free to eligible Veterans and
no co-payment - Not a disability compensation exam or required for other VA benefits
- Enrollment in VA’s health care system not necessary
- Based on Veterans’ recollection of service, not on their military records
- Will not confirm exposure to Agent Orange
- Veterans can receive additional registry exams, if new problems develop
- Veterans' family members are not eligible for an Agent Orange Registry health exam.
Eligibility for Agent Orange Registry health 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 (also known as “Brown Water Veterans”)
- “Blue Water Navy” Veterans who served on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia as defined in Public Law 116-23.
Korea
- Veterans who served in a unit in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) anytime between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971.
Thailand
- U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (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.
- U.S. Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
- U.S. 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 (MP) unit or was assigned a military occupational specialty whose duty placed him or her at or near the base perimeter.
C-123 Airplanes
- Veterans (including some Reservists) who state that they flew on or worked on a C-123 aircraft between 1969 and 1986.
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. Learn about herbicide tests and storage outside Vietnam.
Interested in disability compensation?
The registry evaluation is separate from VA’s disability compensation process and does not confirm exposure during service.
Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation for health problems related to Agent Orange exposure must file a claim for that benefit.
During the claims process, VA will check military records to confirm exposure to Agent Orange or qualifying military service. If necessary, VA will set up a separate exam for compensation.
