Agent Orange Presumptive Diseases: Complete VA List for 2026

If you served in Vietnam or other qualifying locations and were exposed to Agent Orange, the VA presumes that certain diseases are service-connected. You don't need to prove a link between your condition and your service you only need a current diagnosis and qualifying service.

The Agent Orange Act of 1991 established the presumption of exposure for Vietnam veterans . Since then, the VA has continually reviewed research and added new conditions to the presumptive list . As of 2026, the list includes cancers, cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, and metabolic diseases .

What Is a Presumptive Disease?

A presumptive disease is a condition that the VA automatically assumes was caused by military service . For Agent Orange claims, this means you do not need to provide a nexus letter or medical evidence linking your condition to herbicide exposure . If you have a diagnosed presumptive condition and qualifying service, the VA grants service connection.

This presumption covers all tactical herbicides used during the Vietnam War era, including Agent Orange, Agent Blue, Agent White, Agent Purple, Agent Pink, and Agent Green .

The Complete Agent Orange Presumptive Disease List

Cancers

Cardiovascular Conditions

Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions

Neurological Conditions

Other Conditions

Conditions With Time Limits

Three conditions on the presumptive list have specific time limitations :

1. Chloracne must manifest to 10% or more within one year of exposure
2. Early-onset peripheral neuropathy must manifest to 10% or more within one year of exposure
3. Porphyria cutanea tarda must manifest to 10% or more within one year of exposure

All other conditions have no time limitation and can manifest at any point after exposure .

Key Changes Under the PACT Act

The PACT Act, signed into law in August 2022, added :

1. High blood pressure (hypertension) as an Agent Orange presumptive condition
2. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) as an Agent Orange presumptive condition

These changes go into effect on October 1, 2026, except for veterans who are 85 or older, homeless, or terminally ill they are eligible immediately .

The PACT Act also added five new presumptive locations for Agent Orange exposure: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam/American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll .

Qualifying Service Requirements

To be eligible for the Agent Orange presumption, you must meet two requirements:

1. A current diagnosis of a presumptive condition
2. Qualifying service in a location where the VA presumes exposure

Qualifying Locations

The VA presumes exposure for veterans who served in :

• Vietnam on land or inland waterways, January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975
• Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base, January 9, 1962 - June 30, 1976
• Laos December 1, 1965 - September 30, 1969
• Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, April 16-30, 1969
• Guam or American Samoa or territorial waters, January 9, 1962 - July 31, 1980
• Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called there, January 1, 1972 - September 30, 1977
• Korean DMZ September 1, 1967 - August 31, 1971
• C-123 aircraft regular contact with contaminated aircraft, 1969-1986

How to File a Claim

Step 1: Get a Current Diagnosis

You need a formal diagnosis of a presumptive condition from a qualified medical professional.

Step 2: Confirm Your Qualifying Service

Verify that your service records show you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying time period.

Step 3: File Your Claim

File online at VA.gov, by mail, in person, or with help from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Use VA Form 21-526EZ.

Step 4: File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966)

This locks in your claim's effective date and gives you up to one year to gather evidence.

What If Your Claim Was Previously Denied?

If VA denied your claim in the past and the condition is now presumptive, you can submit a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995. VA will review your case again under the current rules .

Realistic Veteran Scenario

Meet Robert, a 74-year-old Army veteran who served in Vietnam from 1969-1970. In 2025, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and ischemic heart disease. Both conditions are on the Agent Orange presumptive list.

Robert filed a claim for both conditions. Because they are presumptive, he did not need to prove that his service caused his conditions. He only needed to show he served in Vietnam during the qualifying time period.

The result: VA granted service connection for both bladder cancer and ischemic heart disease. Robert was rated based on the severity of each condition and received retroactive benefits to the date of his claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a presumptive disease for Agent Orange?

A presumptive disease is a condition that the VA automatically assumes was caused by Agent Orange exposure if you have qualifying service. You do not need to prove a nexus between your condition and your service .

What conditions are on the Agent Orange presumptive list?

The list includes cancers (bladder, chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin's, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate, respiratory, soft tissue sarcomas), cardiovascular conditions (ischemic heart disease, hypertension), metabolic conditions (diabetes type 2, hypothyroidism), neurological conditions (Parkinson's, Parkinsonism, early-onset peripheral neuropathy), and other conditions (AL amyloidosis, chloracne, MGUS, porphyria cutanea tarda) .

Is hypertension on the Agent Orange presumptive list?

Yes. Hypertension was added by the PACT Act in 2022. The change goes into effect on October 1, 2026, except for veterans 85+, homeless, or terminally ill .

What is MGUS and is it covered under the PACT Act?

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) was added as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act. Like hypertension, it goes into effect on October 1, 2026, with early eligibility for some veterans .

What are the time limits for certain presumptive conditions?

Chloracne, early-onset peripheral neuropathy, and porphyria cutanea tarda must manifest to a compensable degree (10% or more) within one year of last exposure . All other conditions have no time limitation .

Where can I get help with my Agent Orange claim?

Contact the Agent Orange and Gulf War Helpline at 800-749-8387, visit VA.gov, or work with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free claim assistance.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, medical, or financial advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies, forms, and rates change always verify current requirements and deadlines on the official VA.gov website. We strongly recommend working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the DAV, VFW, or American Legion, or an accredited claims agent or attorney for assistance with your individual claim.