VA Lists Ships Exposed to Agent Orange

The Department of Veterans Affairs has posted an updated list of ships whose crew members may have been exposed to Agent Orange during operations in Vietnam. The list of ships, available at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/, were in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. Veterans who served aboard these ships during that time may be eligible to receive VA disability compensation for 14 medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange.

'Presumption' rule for Agent Orange speeds up claims process

Under VA's "presumption" rule for Agent Orange, veterans don't have to prove a medical link between their illness and qualifying Vietnam service, which simplifies the process by which veterans claim disability compensation. Instead, the VA presumes exposure for any veteran who served within Vietnam or on its inland waterways.

"Posting of the ships list is an important recognition of the sacrifices U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Veterans made for this nation," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

For more information about presumptive exposure to Agent Orange, the list of ships, or how to submit claims, refer to the press release, "VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure."

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