Definition
Agent Orange in Thailand refers to the use of the toxic herbicide Agent Orange by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, which negatively impacted Thai military bases and surrounding areas. The term is commonly associated with the military personnel who served in Thailand during that period and were exposed to the chemical. As a result, these veterans may be eligible for VA benefits and health care related to their exposure to Agent Orange.
Key Takeaways
- Agent Orange was a powerful herbicide used by the US military during the Vietnam War to eliminate forest cover, and it was also stored and utilized at bases in Thailand.
- Veterans who served in Thailand between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and were exposed to Agent Orange may be eligible for VA benefits and disability compensation due to the long-term health effects associated with this toxic chemical exposure.
- In order to qualify for these benefits, veterans must provide evidence of their service in Thailand during the specified period, and show that they suffer from a medical condition or disability that is directly connected to Agent Orange exposure.
Importance
The VA benefits term Agent Orange in Thailand is important because it recognizes the significant health concerns faced by U.S. military veterans who were exposed to the toxic herbicide during their service in Thailand between 1961 and 1975.
Agent Orange was extensively used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to defoliate dense forest areas, but its harmful effects extended to service members stationed in Thailand.
The VA acknowledges that this toxic exposure led to numerous long-term health complications including cancers, neurological disorders, and respiratory problems among veterans. As a result, the term Agent Orange in Thailand is crucial for identifying and providing appropriate benefits, compensation, and healthcare for affected veterans who served in the region and suffer from debilitating health issues related to their exposure.
Explanation
Agent Orange in Thailand refers to the widespread use of a toxic herbicide during the Vietnam War by the United States military. Its primary purpose was to eliminate forest cover and destroy crops supporting enemy forces in Vietnam. However, the herbicide was also extensively sprayed on U.S.
military installations in Thailand as a part of their efforts to assist South Vietnam during the conflict. The chemical compound known as Agent Orange contained harmful toxicants, most notably dioxin, which has long-term health consequences for those exposed to it. As a result, many veterans who served in Thailand are now eligible for VA benefits due to their exposure to Agent Orange and the adverse health effects it has caused.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established benefits for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Thailand between 1961 and 1971. The primary purpose of these benefits is to provide healthcare services, disability compensation, and other types of support to affected veterans. To qualify for these benefits, the VA requires that a veteran can demonstrate an association between their specific illness or condition and their exposure to Agent Orange during their service in Thailand.
Conditions recognized by the VA range from various cancers, neurological conditions, heart diseases to respiratory illnesses. By providing these benefits, the VA aims to ensure that veterans affected by Agent Orange receive the care and support they need to manage their health and cope with the long-term consequences of their exposure to this harmful herbicide.
Examples of Agent Orange in Thailand
U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield: Between 1961 and 1971, the United States conducted military operations in Vietnam, which involved the use of herbicides like Agent Orange for defoliation and crop destruction. During this time, the U.S. Air Force also operated at the U-Tapao Airfield in Thailand. Veterans who served at U-Tapao during the Vietnam War may have been exposed to Agent Orange and, as a result, could be eligible for VA benefits related to health issues associated with that exposure.
Ramasun Station in Udon Thani Province: Ramasun Station, located in northeastern Thailand, was an intelligence facility used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Reports have indicated that the U.S. military used Agent Orange in the perimeters of military installations in Thailand, including Ramasun Station, to control vegetation growth. As a result, some veterans who served at Ramasun Station during the Vietnam era may have been exposed to Agent Orange and could be eligible for VA benefits.
Camp Friendship / Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base: Camp Friendship was a U.S. Army base located near Korat, which also housed the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base that was used by the U.S. Air Force for missions during the Vietnam War. The military employed herbicides like Agent Orange in the fenced perimeters of installations in Thailand, including Camp Friendship and the adjacent air force base. Veterans who served at these locations and were potentially exposed to Agent Orange may qualify for VA benefits related to health issues from that exposure.
FAQ: VA Benefits for Agent Orange in Thailand
What is Agent Orange and how is it related to Thailand?
Agent Orange is a herbicide and defoliant chemical used by the US military during the Vietnam War. Between 1961 and 1971, it was sprayed along the borders of Vietnam with Cambodia, Laos, and on Royal Thai Air Bases. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acknowledges that veterans who served in Thailand during this time may have been exposed to Agent Orange, and are eligible for disability compensation and benefits.
What are the qualifications for receiving VA benefits related to Agent Orange exposure in Thailand?
Veterans who served on or near the perimeters of Royal Thai Air Bases, including U.S. Army veterans who provided perimeter security, may qualify for VA benefits. The veterans must prove that their health issues were caused by exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during their military service in Thailand.
Which health conditions are recognized by VA as related to Agent Orange exposure in Thailand?
The VA has recognized several health conditions as presumptively related to Agent Orange exposure. These include certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, and others. A complete list of the recognized health conditions can be found on the VA website.
How can veterans apply for VA benefits for Agent Orange exposure in Thailand?
Veterans can apply for disability compensation for health conditions related to their military service in Thailand by submitting a claim to the VA. This can be done through the eBenefits website, by mail, or in person at a local VA office. Documentation supporting their service in Thailand, Agent Orange exposure, and the diagnosis of the associated health condition should be submitted with the claim.
What if a veteran’s claim for benefits related to Agent Orange exposure in Thailand is denied?
If a veteran’s claim is denied, they have the right to appeal the decision with the VA. They can seek assistance from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), a VA-accredited attorney, or a VA-accredited claims agent in understanding the appeals process and submitting the required documentation.
Related VA Benefit Terms
- Herbicides Exposure
- Operation Ranch Hand
- VA Presumptive Disability List
- Thailand Military Bases
- Compensation and Health Care Benefits