Thailand was a strategic location for U.S. military operations during the Vietnam War. While not a combat zone itself, its role in the war effort was significant – and so was the exposure of veterans to toxic substances such as Agent Orange.
Herbicide was primarily used around U.S. military bases in Thailand, such as Udorn, Takhli, Korat, U-Tapao, Ubon, and Nakhon Phanom.
Thailand was also a stopping point for the transfer of herbicides from their original locations to Vietnam, under Operation Ranch Hand. Most transport flights carrying barrels of herbicides stopped in or were loaded in Thailand then transported the barrels to Vietnam for spraying.
Which Veterans Are Eligible? Is Thailand Covered Under the PACT Act?
VA currently presumes Agent Orange exposure for veterans who served at any U.S. or Royal Thai military base between January 9, 1962 and June 30, 1976.
Previously, VA only conceded exposure for:
- U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force Bases (RTAF bases) at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Panom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter
- Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand
- Army Veterans who were stationed on some small Army installations in Thailand
- Military Police K-9 units
The 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans stationed in Thailand from January 9, 1962 through June 30, 1976.
VA now concedes that Vietnam-era Veterans whose service involved active duty on or near the perimeters of Royal Thai bases or U.S. military bases in Thailand, anytime between January 9, 1962 and June 30, 1976, may have been exposed to herbicides and defoliants – and therefore qualify for VA disability benefits. You can learn more about general Agent Orange benefits here.
If you have been denied VA benefits before, the PACT Act may give you the opportunity to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Which Disabilities Qualify for Agent Orange Claims?
Currently, the following conditions are presumed to be caused by Agent Orange and will receive presumptive service connection for qualifying veterans stationed in Thailand:
- AL Amyloidosis
- Chronic B-cell Leukemias
- Chloracne
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Hodgkin’s Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism
- Peripheral Neuropathy, Early Onset
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Prostate Cancer
- Respiratory Cancers
- Some Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Already filed a claim and been denied?
get a free case evaluationWhat Evidence Can Prove Your Case?
If your disability isn’t on the list of presumptive conditions according to the PACT Act, you’ll need to prove that the health problems were caused by Agent Orange or that they started or were aggravated by the military service in Thailand.
All veterans must have medical records indicating the presence of an Agent Orange-related health condition and service records indicating exposure to Agent Orange during the military service. When official records are insufficient, the following type of evidence may also help:
- Lay evidence (such as buddy statements) that the veteran’s work duties brought them on or near the perimeter where Agent Orange was sprayed.
- Lay evidence that the veteran’s recreational activities brought him on or near the perimeter, or took the veteran off the military base. Recreational activities such as softball or jogging often took place on the perimeters of some bases. Statements from the veteran and/or fellow service members who participated in recreational activities with the veteran about how close the activities took them to the perimeter of the base can make a huge difference in winning a case.
- Lay evidence that the veteran’s work facilities, living facilities, mess hall, etc., were in close proximity to the perimeter.
- Photographs of the base or photographs from the military service. Photographs can help you remember details regarding your proximity to the base. For example, maybe you know you were close to the perimeter, but you can’t remember WHY exactly you were there. A photograph of the base shows a softball field near the perimeter of the base. You were part of the softball team while stationed at the base, but had completely forgotten where the softball field had been located.
The more details you can provide regarding the contact you had with an area where the herbicide was used, the more credible your evidence will be.
Get Help with Your Agent Orange Thailand Claim
Hill & Ponton has been fighting for vets even before Congress passed the Agent Orange Act of 1991. Until the PACT Act was passed, we saw the VA was systematically rejecting vets’ claims following herbicide exposure. Our firm has invested tens of thousands of hours and extensive resources to fight for them.
Are you a Vietnam veteran who served in Thailand and was denied VA disability? We believe that you and your family deserve compensation for harmful exposure to Agent Orange or similar herbicides. Get a free evaluation of your case to see if we can handle your appeal. Our firm will only be paid if and when we win compensation for you.