Agent Orange and other powerful herbicides used during the Vietnam War have had lasting effects on many veterans. Not only limited to Vietnam, its use also extended to other areas, including the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Veterans who served in or near the Korean DMZ during specific periods may be eligible for VA benefits due to herbicide exposure, including exposure to Agent Orange.
How Was Agent Orange Used in Korea?
Agent Orange and other herbicides were used along the Korean DMZ from April 1, 1968, to August 31, 1971. They were sprayed to defoliate the dense vegetation in the region, making it harder for enemy forces to conceal themselves. This exposure has led to numerous health issues for veterans whose served in this area during that time frame.
Eligibility for VA Benefits
To be eligible for VA benefits due to herbicide exposure in the Korean DMZ, veterans must meet specific criteria:
- Service Period: Veterans must have served between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971.
- Service Location: Service must have been in or near the Korean DMZ. Units that operated in the DMZ during this period are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides.
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Diseases Recognized by the VA: The VA presumes certain diseases are associated with herbicide exposure. These include but are not limited to:
- Chronic B-cell leukemias
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Prostate cancer
- Respiratory cancers (lung, bronchus, larynx, trachea)
- Soft tissue sarcomas
- Ischemic heart disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy (early-onset)
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Is the Korean DMZ Covered Under the PACT Act?
The Honoring Our PACT Act (PACT Act) expands healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. The Korean DMZ was covered by the Federal Register in 2009 and for all vets who served in or near the DMZ in 2011.
While the PACT Act did help expand healthcare benefits for veterans who may have been impacted by exposures in these areas, it did not make any extensions to who was already eligible for benefits.
Applying for Benefits
Veterans seeking benefits due to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposure should follow these steps:
- Gather Evidence: Compile any service records, medical records, and other documentation that can support your claim of service in the Korean DMZ during the specified period.
- File a Claim: Submit a claim through the VA. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at a VA office.
- Medical Examination: The VA may require a medical examination to verify the connection between your health conditions and Agent Orange exposure.
- Decision: The VA will review the evidence and make a decision on your claim. If approved, you will receive compensation and benefits.
Recent Updates and Legal Changes
Recent legal changes and updates in VA policies have made it easier for veterans to claim benefits. For instance, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act extended benefits to Navy veterans who served offshore. Please see our Blue Water Navy Map to see if you were in an area eligible for benefits.
Similarly, ongoing legislative efforts are expanding benefits and simplifying the claims process for Korean DMZ veterans. For more information, visit the VA’s official page on Agent Orange exposure in Korea.
How to Claim and Win Disability Benefits
Has your unit been exposed to Agent Orange in Korea? If you’re having trouble with VA’s complicated procedures for getting benefits, we can help! Check out our FREE ebook:
Content Reviewed by
Attorney Matthew Hill
Attorney Matthew Hill, licensed in Florida and Washington D.C., a dedicated advocate for disabled veterans with over two decades of experience, reviewed the information in this post.
