Long-Term Carcinogenic Effects of Agent Orange

The long-term health consequences of Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War continue to be a significant issue for many U.S. military Veterans. Agent Orange, the powerful herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military, contained the highly toxic dioxin compound TCDD, which is classified as a human carcinogen. Numerous studies have linked exposure to Agent Orange and TCDD to an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, even decades after initial exposure.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes certain cancers and other conditions as presumptively service-connected for Veterans who served in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange. This means that Veterans with these conditions do not have to provide additional evidence linking their condition to Agent Orange exposure to receive disability benefits from the VA.

However, the process of applying for and obtaining these benefits can be complex, particularly for conditions not currently on the VA’s presumptive list, such as certain skin cancers that have been linked to dioxin exposure.

What is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange was an herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. It contained dioxin, a highly toxic chemical compound. Exposure to Agent Orange has been linked to various health issues, including different types of cancers. Some key points:

• TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) is one of the most toxic dioxin compounds found in Agent Orange and is classified as a human carcinogen by agencies like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
• Studies have linked TCDD exposure to increased risks of non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in exposed populations.
• Factors like lighter skin pigmentation and greater intensity of exposure have been associated with higher cancer risks in Agent Orange-exposed cohorts.
• Chloracne is a hallmark health effect of dioxin exposure and has been commonly observed in Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

Multiple Studies Link Agent Orange Exposure and Long-Term Cancer Risk

Several notable studies have contributed to the recognition of Agent Orange exposure as a risk factor for various cancers by organizations like the VA and IARC. Here are some notable studies on the carcinogenic effects of Agent Orange:

• The Air Force Health Study (1982-2002): This long-term study followed the health of Air Force personnel involved in spraying Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. It found increased risks of certain cancers, including prostate cancer and lung cancer, among those exposed to Agent Orange.
• The Vietnam Experience Study (1986-1988): This study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) examined the health of Vietnam Veterans who handled or were exposed to Agent Orange. It found associations between exposure and increased risks of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and chloracne (a skin condition).
• The Army Chemical Corps Study (2005): This study investigated the health of U.S. Army Chemical Corps personnel involved in the handling and spraying of Agent Orange. It found elevated risks of several cancers, including respiratory cancers, prostate cancer, and melanoma.
• The Korean Veterans Health Study (2011): This study examined the health effects of Agent Orange exposure among Korean Veterans who served in the Vietnam War. It found increased risks of certain cancers, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia, among those exposed.
• University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (2014): Researchers found Veterans exposed to Agent Orange may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. The authors of the study claim that TCDD is one of the most carcinogenic substances ever to see widespread use in the environment. The researchers analyzed the medical records of 100 consecutive men who enrolled in the Agent Orange registry at the Veterans Affairs Hospital of Washington, from August 2009 to January 2010.

Research in this area is ongoing, as the long-term effects of Agent Orange exposure continue to be studied in different populations and contexts. Continued research may help influence policy decisions to expand coverage and compensation for the relevant cancers and other health impacts from Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.

Agent Orange and Skin Cancer

Veterans of the Vietnam War were particularly interested in the most recent report, from the University of Texas, that links Agent Orange exposure and certain types of skin cancer. Even four decades after the fact, the study found that Agent Orange exposure still led to an increased incidence of skin cancers.

Results of the study show that non-melanotic invasive skin cancer occurred 51% more often in Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, a rate twice that seen in men of similar ages who had not been exposed.

The cancer risk rose to 73% for those who actively used and sprayed the chemical. Veterans with lighter skin or light-colored eyes were at the greatest risk. Many of the Veterans surveyed also developed chloracne, a painful skin condition associated with exposure to dioxins.

The VA currently provides disability benefits for certain health problems and symptoms that have been shown to result from prolonged exposure to dioxin by Veterans of the Vietnam conflict. As of this writing, skin cancer is still not included.

Presumptive Service Connection and Agent Orange

The VA has established a list of diseases that are presumed to be service connected for Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during their military service in Vietnam.

This means that if a Veteran develops one of these presumptive conditions and can demonstrate qualifying service in Vietnam, they do not have to provide additional evidence linking their condition to Agent Orange exposure to receive disability benefits from the VA.

As of 2023, this presumptive list includes:

• Certain cancers like lung, prostate, and multiple myeloma
• Type 2 diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Chronic B-cell leukemias
• Chloracne (skin condition)

By establishing presumptive service connection, the VA can more readily provide disability benefits and healthcare access to Veterans who have developed these conditions because of their Agent Orange exposure during their service in Vietnam.

The VA does not automatically cover non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

Without presumption, Veterans can still pursue claims for service-connection of their skin cancers on a case-by-case basis. However, the burden of proof is higher. They must provide medical evidence and opinions establishing a direct service connection between their skin cancer and Agent Orange exposure during qualifying service in Vietnam.

Additional requirements for Agent Orange disability benefits can be found on the VA website. This includes more comprehensive information about what service conditions and illnesses qualify as presumptive service conditions.

Contact Berry Law for Agent Orange Disability Claims

Working with an experienced VA disability benefits lawyer can be invaluable for Veterans seeking compensation for cancers or other health issues potentially related to Agent Orange exposure. A knowledgeable attorney can help gather and present the necessary medical evidence and legal arguments to establish a direct service connection between the Veteran’s condition and their toxic exposure during military service. 

Veterans who served and are experiencing health complications linked to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for disability benefits. Their service matters, and we’re here to ensure they receive the support and benefits they deserve. Attorneys at Berry Law are Veterans who help Veterans. Call our legal team at 888-883-2483 or fill out our online contact form. We represent Veterans in all 50 states and our legal team is available 24/7.