Agent Orange in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

For a long time, veterans who served in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and certain other locations struggled to get Agent Orange claims granted, even though herbicides were used or present in those areas. The PACT Act expanded the Agent Orange presumption to cover these locations, opening the presumptive route to veterans who had been excluded. If you served in a covered location during the qualifying period and have a listed condition, the claim is now presumptive.

This guide explains the expanded locations, the qualifying service that matters most for Thailand base veterans, the covered conditions, and how to file or refile.

01
The expanded locations

The PACT Act broadened the Agent Orange presumption beyond Vietnam and the Korean DMZ to include additional locations where herbicides were used, tested, or stored. These include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and certain other sites during the qualifying period. Veterans who served in these covered locations can now access the presumption they were previously denied.

02
Thailand base service

Thailand is a common location for these claims. Herbicides were used around the perimeters of Royal Thai Air Force bases. Historically, veterans had to show they served near the base perimeter, such as security police, dog handlers, or others whose duties placed them at the base edge. The PACT Act eased access for Thailand veterans, so confirm how the current rule applies to your service.

03
Laos and Cambodia

Veterans who served in Laos and Cambodia during the qualifying period may also fall under the expanded presumption. As with other locations, eligibility turns on serving in the covered area during the covered dates. Your service records establish whether your service qualifies.

04
Covered conditions

The presumptive conditions are the standard Agent Orange conditions, broadly including several cancers, ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson disease, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension, among others. A listed condition plus qualifying service in a covered location makes the claim presumptive.

05
No nexus needed

You do not have to prove Agent Orange caused your condition. You establish qualifying service in a covered location during the qualifying period and a current diagnosis of a listed condition, and the VA presumes the connection. The PACT Act simply added these locations to the framework.

06
What you need to show

• Proof of service in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, or another covered location during the qualifying period
• For Thailand, evidence of duties or service consistent with the current rule
• A current diagnosis of an Agent Orange presumptive condition
• Service records and medical records documenting both

07
Refiling old denials

Many Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia veterans were denied before the PACT Act expansion. If your denial rested on the location not being covered, and your location is now included, refiling can result in a grant. This is a strong reason to revisit an old denial from any of these locations.

08
Confirm the current rules

Because these locations were added and the qualifying details can be specific, confirm the current covered locations, dates, and any service requirements with the VA when you file. Where the presumption does not fully reach your situation, a direct claim with proof of exposure and a nexus remains available.

09
Where to go from here

Confirm your service location and period against the expanded list, match your condition to the Agent Orange list, and file or refile with your service records.

See the Agent Orange conditions and locations, learn how to refile a denial, and review the full PACT Act guide.

10
Frequently Asked Questions

VA Claims US Editorial Team

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The VA Claims US editorial team helps veterans and their families understand and navigate the VA disability system. Our content is reviewed for accuracy against current VA regulations and updated whenever rates or policies change. Have a question? Contact our team.