How Do Vietnam Era Veteran Benefits Differ From Current Veteran Benefits?
As of 2015, Vietnam-era veterans are eligible for the same benefits as veterans of other wars, with the addition of benefits related specifically to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange. Veterans benefits for spouses, children and dependant parents of Vietnam-era veterans affected by Agent Orange are also available.
Vietnam-era veterans may be eligible for an Agent Orange Registry health exam that checks for symptoms of long-term illness due to exposure to the herbicide. There are also a variety of health benefits that Vietnam-era veterans may qualify for if they have an illness related to exposure to Agent Orange. Disability benefits are also available for Vietnam-era veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge and were disabled due to Agent Orange or other herbicide exposure.
Spouses, children and dependant parents of Vietnam-era veterans who died from diseases related to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for benefits such as health care, home loans and compensation. Biological children of Vietnam-era veterans who suffer from certain birth defects due to the effects of Agent Orange may also qualify for compensation or other benefits.
Vietnam-era veterans who served in Vietnam or the Korean de-militarized zone are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. Veterans who served in other arenas may also have been exposed to the herbicide and can apply for benefits after proving exposure.
