For direct online access to VA benefits and resources, create an account here.

From 1961 to 1971, almost 20 million gallons of a combination herbicide were dispersed over nearly a quarter of the country of Vietnam in hopes that it destroy foliage, thus revealing before-hidden pathways of the enemy: the guerrilla Viet Cong, otherwise known as the National Liberation Front.

The defoliant chemical, Agent Orange, killed plants and other vegetation, but it also proved toxic to the United States military members serving on the lands it touched, then and decades after.

And it wasn’t just Vietnam and neighboring Cambodia. Unfortunately, the compound substance harmed vets serving outside of this combat area — sometimes reaching hundreds and thousands of miles away.

If you or a loved one served and was affected by the poisonous affects of Agent Orange, but didn’t serve in Vietnam, it’s still possible to claim benefits or compensation (payments) for this contact.

If a vet is suffering from one or more of these illnesses, and its thought to be from Agent Orange, and …

– They had regular security duties on the perimeter of bases in Thailand during the Vietnam War OR

– They served in Thailand or Korea where Agent Orange was stored or tested, OR

– They had “regular and repeated” contact with a C-123 that carried Agent Orange (even traces of it) OR

– They took part in projects that involved the toxic chemical, they (as well as qualified survivors) may be able to get benefits and compensation.

To apply for these benefits, click here, and refer to the bottom of the page where it says “How do I get these benefits?“.

Once applied, you can check on the status of the claim (or any other claim you submitted — appeals too) by clicking here.