Agent Orange Registry

Definition

The Agent Orange Registry is a program established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to track the health of veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War. The registry collects data through health exams conducted on eligible veterans, which helps the VA to study the potential long-term health effects of Agent Orange exposure. Participation in the registry is voluntary and does not influence a veteran’s eligibility for VA benefits or services.

Key Takeaways

1. Agent Orange Registry refers to a health exam program designed for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other related herbicides during their military service. The registry aims to track and monitor the health effects of these exposures on the veterans.
2. Participation in the Agent Orange Registry does not qualify a veteran for any specific benefits; however, it does provide access to important health information and resources. The data collected through the registry could also be useful for future research and policy decisions related to veterans’ health issues.
3. In order to be eligible for the Agent Orange Registry, a veteran must have served in certain areas during specific time periods, which could include Vietnam, Korean Demilitarized Zone, certain military bases in Thailand, or on specific aircraft and ships. Documentation of exposure and service history is necessary for participation in the registry.

Importance

The term “Agent Orange Registry” is important as it is a crucial part of the VA benefits specifically designed to support and recognize veterans who were exposed to the harmful and toxic herbicide Agent Orange during their time of service.

This registry primarily serves as a database that lists veterans subjected to such exposure, allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide these individuals appropriate medical care, compensation, and ongoing surveillance.

By participating in the Agent Orange Registry, veterans not only receive access to necessary treatment and financial support but also contribute to vital research and monitoring efforts in understanding the long-term health implications of Agent Orange exposure, ultimately aiding the VA in continually improving support systems for affected veterans and raising awareness.

Explanation

The Agent Orange Registry serves a vital purpose in addressing the long-term health concerns of veterans who have been exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange during their military service. This registry was established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a means to identify and document the potential health effects on thousands of veterans who suffered exposure to this harmful defoliant during the Vietnam War and other military operations.

The underlying objective of the Agent Orange Registry is to provide comprehensive healthcare services, support, and resources tailored to address the unique health risks faced by these veterans, ultimately improving their overall well-being and quality of life. Through the Agent Orange Registry, the VA closely monitors the health of eligible veterans, collects crucial data on the patterns and prevalence of adverse health outcomes resulting from Agent Orange exposure, and offers targeted healthcare assistance to the affected individuals.

The information gathered through this process is instrumental in shaping policy decisions, designing relevant research studies, and implementing effective interventions aimed at mitigating the health impacts of this toxic exposure. Furthermore, the registry assists in raising awareness and empowering veterans by providing them access to pertinent health resources, enabling better management and understanding of their medical conditions.

Overall, the Agent Orange Registry plays an essential role in enhancing the VA’s ability to address the unique healthcare needs of its veterans exposed to this toxic herbicide.

Examples of Agent Orange Registry

Agent Orange Registry refers to the health examination program managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans who may have been exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange during their military service. Here are three real-world examples related to the Agent Orange Registry:

Vietnam War Veterans: Veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are eligible for the Agent Orange Registry health exam. During this time, the U.S. military used Agent Orange to eliminate forest cover and crops for North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops. Exposure to this herbicide has been associated with various long-term health problems, such as cancers, heart diseases, and neurological conditions.

Korean DMZ Veterans: Veterans who served in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971, are also eligible for the Agent Orange Registry health exam. The herbicide was used along the DMZ to remove foliage and improve visibility for U.S. and South Korean forces. The registry aims to document and monitor the health of Korean DMZ veterans to understand potential health issues related to herbicide exposure.

Thailand Military Base Veterans: U.S. Air Force and Army Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases in Thailand, such as U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, and Korat between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, are potentially eligible for the Agent Orange Registry health exam. Since the military used Agent Orange around the perimeters of certain bases in Thailand during the Vietnam War, these veterans may have also been exposed to the herbicide and are, therefore, included in the registry program. These examples demonstrate the VA’s commitment to monitoring and addressing the health concerns of veterans potentially exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides during their military service.

FAQ – VA Benefits: Agent Orange Registry

What is the Agent Orange Registry?

The Agent Orange Registry is a program managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides free health exams, medical consultations, and information to veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide that was used during the Vietnam War.

Who is eligible for the Agent Orange Registry?

Veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or who served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971, are eligible to participate in the Agent Orange Registry. Additionally, veterans who served in certain units in Thailand during the Vietnam War or who were involved in the testing, storing, or transporting of Agent Orange may also qualify.

How does the Agent Orange Registry benefit veterans?

Participating in the Agent Orange Registry can help veterans identify potential health issues related to Agent Orange exposure early and connect them with appropriate healthcare and benefits. The registry also helps the VA better understand and address the unique health needs of veterans exposed to Agent Orange, enabling the VA to improve its support and services for affected veterans.

How can veterans apply for the Agent Orange Registry?

To apply for the Agent Orange Registry, veterans should contact their nearest VA Environmental Health Coordinator (EHC) to schedule a free Agent Orange Registry health exam. To find the nearest EHC, use the VA’s online Environmental Health Coordinator Locator tool or call the VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387.

Does participating in the Agent Orange Registry automatically grant VA benefits?

While the Agent Orange Registry can help veterans identify potential health issues related to their exposure, participating in the registry does not automatically qualify a veteran for VA benefits. Veterans are encouraged to file a claim for disability compensation related to Agent Orange exposure, which will be evaluated by the VA to determine eligibility for benefits. The Agent Orange Registry exam results may be used as evidence when filing a claim, but it is not the sole basis for determining benefits.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Herbicide exposure
• Vietnam War veterans
• Agent Orange-related diseases
• VA health examinations
• Compensation benefits

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Veterans Health Administration – Public Health
• Vietnam Veterans of America
• National Archives