In the Spotlight
Vietnam War Veterans Health Issues
VA provides support for Agent Orange exposure and its related health issues
It's important to understand the health care needs of Vietnam War Veterans because of the long-term effects of military service during the Vietnam War era. If you served during the Vietnam War, including Veterans who served on Blue Water Navy vessels or Coast Guard ships, you may be at risk of certain health conditions. Understanding these needs will allow you to receive better care.
Learn about these conditions and what to do next to take care of your health.
Health risks related to the Vietnam War
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Diseases related to Agent Orange: A toxic chemical used to clear trees and plants that can cause long-term health effects
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Hepatitis C: A disease that can harm your liver
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Hearing problems caused by noise: Harmful sounds from guns, explosives, rockets, heavy weapons, jets and aircraft, and machinery that can cause or add to hearing loss and ringing in the ears
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Illnesses or injuries caused by job-related hazards: Chemicals, paints, radiation, and other hazards you may have come across
What you can do now
Take these steps to make sure you're taking care of your health:
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Talk to your primary health care provider or your local VA environmental health coordinator about other health concerns related to your military service. Remember, you can use Secure Messaging (sign in required) to send a private note to your doctor if you have any questions or worries.
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Ask your local VA environmental health coordinator about getting a free Agent Orange Registry health exam.
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Find out if you can get benefits from any illness or injury caused, or made worse, by your active-duty service, such as illness-related to agent orange or contact with hazardous materials.
Be sure your doctor knows if you have a history of Agent Orange exposure. Because of the possibility of increased cancer risk, your doctor may suggest cancer screening tests and to report any symptoms as soon as they appear.
Veterans are at risk for many types of cancer just like everyone else, even if they haven't been exposed to Agent Orange. You can lower your risk of cancer and other diseases by quitting smoking, staying at a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet.
If you have a My HealtheVet Premium account, you can easily reach out to your health care teams with Secure Messaging (sign in required) about taking steps to improve your health.
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