The PACT Act expanded Agent Orange presumptive exposure to five 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 do not need to prove it . In addition to Vietnam and the Korean DMZ, these locations now qualify for the presumption of exposure, significantly expanding benefits for Vietnam-era veterans.
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 . 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)
- On vessels operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia ("Blue Water" Navy)
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 |
Agent Orange Exposure in Thailand
Thailand is one of the key new locations where the VA now presumes Agent Orange exposure . During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used herbicides in Thailand to clear vegetation around military bases and along supply routes. The PACT Act now presumes exposure for veterans who served:
- At any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976
- Without regard to the veteran's military occupational specialty (MOS) or where on base they were located
This is a significant expansion veterans who served on these bases do not need to prove that they personally handled or were near herbicides. The presumption applies to all who served there during the qualifying time period .
Agent Orange Exposure in Guam
Guam played a significant role during the Vietnam War, serving as a major staging point for bombing operations . The PACT Act now presumes Agent Orange exposure for veterans who served in Guam, American Samoa, or in the territorial waters thereof from January 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980 .
Evidence of Agent Orange Use in Guam
According to government records and historical archives, Agent Orange was used in numerous locations on Guam , including:
- Guam cross-island fuel pipeline and road
- Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) and AAFB annexes and perimeters
- The Marianas-Bonins Command (MARBO) Annex
- AAFB flight line and surrounding areas
- USAF or U.S. Navy fuel storage facilities
- USAF or U.S. Navy power stations
- Areas near Urunao Beach or Ritidian Point
- Military landfills, waste piles, and over-the-cliff dumpsites
- Fire-fighter training areas
- Polaris Point and submarine tender support facilities
This list is not exhaustive, and veterans who served in other areas of Guam may still have been exposed .
A 2020 white paper from the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) concluded that "existing evidence establishes that it is, at the very least, 'as likely as not' that veterans who served in Guam from 1962 to 1975 were exposed to Agent Orange and other dioxin-containing herbicides" . The paper cites official government accounts, veteran testimony, and EPA/DoD testing from the 1980s and 1990s as evidence of widespread dioxin exposure .
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
The VA has proposed a rule to expand presumptive locations to include locations in the United States, Canada, and India where herbicides were tested, used, or stored . Known testing and storage locations include Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Fort Drum, New York; Fort Ritchie, Maryland; Hilo and Kauai, Hawaii; Fort Chaffee, Arkansas; Fort Gordon, Georgia; and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland .
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 Thailand, Guam, and Agent Orange
Does the PACT Act add Agent Orange presumptive locations?
Yes. The PACT Act added Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam/American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll as presumptive locations for Agent Orange exposure .
What are the new Agent Orange presumptive locations under the PACT Act?
The new locations are Thailand (Jan 1962 - Jun 1976), Laos (Dec 1965 - Sep 1969), Cambodia at Mimot or Krek (Apr 1969), Guam and American Samoa (Jan 1962 - Jul 1980), and Johnston Atoll (Jan 1972 - Sep 1977) .
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 is the Guam Agent Orange timeline for VA benefits?
Veterans who served in Guam, American Samoa, or the territorial waters off them from January 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980, are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange .
Is hypertension a presumptive Agent Orange condition under the PACT Act?
Yes. Hypertension was added as a presumptive Agent Orange condition under the PACT Act, effective October 1, 2026, with early eligibility for some veterans .
What if I served in a location not on the list?
You can still file a claim and attempt to establish direct service connection. You will need competent medical evidence of a current disability, evidence of exposure, and a medical nexus between the exposure and your condition.
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) .
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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