The PACT Act expanded Agent Orange presumptive exposure to 5 new locations: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam/American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll . If you served in any of these locations during the specified time periods, the VA automatically presumes you were exposed to Agent Orange you don't need to prove it . The law also added hypertension and MGUS as new presumptive conditions, with special early eligibility for veterans who are 85+, homeless, or terminally ill .
What Is a Presumptive Location?
A presumptive location is a geographic area where the VA automatically assumes (or "presumes") that veterans were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides . This means that if you served in a designated location during a specified time period, you do not need to provide evidence proving you were actually exposed the VA presumes it based on your service records . This significantly lowers the burden of proof for disability claims.
The Original Presumptive Location: Vietnam
Before the PACT Act, the primary presumptive location for Agent Orange was Vietnam. Veterans who served anywhere in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, were presumed to have been exposed . This also included veterans who:
- Served aboard U.S. military vessels operating in the inland waterways of Vietnam ("Brown Water" Navy)
- Served on vessels operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia
The 5 New Presumptive Locations Added by the PACT Act
The PACT Act added these five locations to the presumptive exposure list :
| Location | Time Period |
|---|---|
| Thailand | Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976 |
| Laos | December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969 |
| Cambodia | At Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province, from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969 |
| Guam or American Samoa | In Guam, American Samoa, or their territorial waters, from January 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980 |
| Johnston Atoll | On Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977 |
Other Agent Orange Presumptive Locations
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Veterans who served in or near the Korean DMZ between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971, are also presumed to have been exposed to herbicides . Defoliation operations occurred in the DMZ during this period.
C-123 Aircraft Exposure
Veterans who regularly and repeatedly operated, maintained, or served aboard a C-123 aircraft known to have been used for spraying herbicides may also qualify . This includes active-duty and Reserve personnel assigned to specific units at locations including Lockbourne/Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Ohio (1969-1986), Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts (1972-1982), and Pittsburgh International Airport (1972-1982) .
Herbicide Testing and Storage Outside Vietnam
Veterans involved in transporting, testing, storing, or other uses of Agent Orange during their military service may also qualify, even if they never served in Vietnam or the other listed locations . The VA has documented specific dates and locations where testing and storage occurred, including sites in the United States, Canada, and India .
New Presumptive Conditions Added
The PACT Act added two new Agent Orange presumptive conditions :
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Effective date note: 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 .
How to File a Claim Based on New Locations
Step 1: Confirm Your Service Qualifies
Verify that your service records show you served in one of the newly added locations during the specified time period.
Step 2: Get a Current Diagnosis
For presumptive conditions, you need a current diagnosis. You do not need to prove a nexus between your condition and your service .
Step 3: File Your Claim
You can file online at VA.gov, by mail, in person, or with the help of 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.
Realistic Veteran Scenario
Meet James, a 72-year-old veteran who served at a U.S. military base in Thailand from 1969-1970. He was recently diagnosed with hypertension. Before the PACT Act, he was not eligible for Agent Orange presumptive service connection because Thailand was not on the presumptive location list. Under the new rules, he qualifies for the presumption of exposure and filed a claim for hypertension.
FAQ: Veterans' Top Questions About Updated Agent Orange Locations
What are the new Agent Orange presumptive locations under the PACT Act?
The PACT Act added Thailand (January 1962 - June 1976), Laos (December 1965 - September 1969), Cambodia at Mimot or Krek (April 16-30, 1969), Guam and American Samoa (January 1962 - July 1980), and Johnston Atoll (January 1972 - September 1977) .
Does the PACT Act add hypertension as an Agent Orange condition?
Yes. Hypertension was added as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act . The change goes into effect on October 1, 2026, but veterans who are 85 or older, homeless, or terminally ill are eligible immediately .
What is MGUS and is it covered under the PACT Act?
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) was added as a new Agent Orange presumptive condition under the PACT Act .
Do I need to prove I was exposed to Agent Orange if I served in Thailand?
No. If you served at any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand between January 9, 1962, and June 30, 1976, the VA presumes you were exposed. You do not need to prove it .
What if I served on a ship off the coast of Vietnam?
"Blue Water" Navy veterans who served within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam's coastline between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are presumed to have been exposed .
How do I file a claim for an Agent Orange presumptive condition?
File online at VA.gov using VA Form 21-526EZ, 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.
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Use the Free CalculatorMedical and legal disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies, forms, and compensation rates change frequently.
Always verify current information on VA.gov before filing a claim. For personalized guidance, contact a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), claims agent, or attorney.
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