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If you’re a Vietnam Veteran who served aboard specific US Navy ships, particularly those operating in inland waterways or close to the shore, there’s a significant chance you were exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used to destroy foliage.
Unfortunately, it was determined that exposure to Agent Orange resulted in long-lasting health conditions.
This post covers the list of US Navy ships exposed to Agent Orange, ensuring you understand the VA benefits and compensation you’re entitled to.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The list of US Navy ships exposed to Agent Orange covers ships operating in the Vietnam waters during 1962 and 1975.
- Agent Orange presumptive conditions are conditions the VA presumes were caused by your military service and exposure to the toxic herbicide.
- Regardless of presumptive condition, you must still apply for VA disability benefits to receive the appropriate VA rating.
You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating. We CAN HELP.
Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service.
Blue Water and Brown Water Navy Vietnam Veterans
If you served aboard a US Navy or Coast Guard ship operating in the waters of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, you’re likely considered either a Blue or Brown Water Navy Vietnam veteran.
“Brown Water” veterans served on US Naval and Coast Guard vessels that navigated the inland waterways and rivers of the Republic of Vietnam.
“Blue Water” veterans served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam, including 12 nautical miles off the coast.
The list of Blue Water Navy Ships exposed to Agent Orange will differ from the list of Brown Water Navy Ships.
Related: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act
Agent Orange Ship Categories
The following list has five categories of ships that operated on the waterways of Vietnam. Ships may be listed in more than one category, based on their activities.
Ship categories include:
- Ships operating primarily or exclusively on Vietnam’s inland waterways
- Ships operating temporarily on Vietnam’s inland waterways
- Ships that docked to shore or pier in Vietnam
- Ships operating on Vietnam’s close coastal waters for extended periods with evidence that crew members went ashore
- Ships operating on Vietnam’s close coastal waters for extended periods with evidence that smaller craft from the ship regularly delivered supplies or troops ashore
Agent Orange Ship List
If you served on a ship that carried one of the designations below and is listed on the VA’s official list of US Navy ships exposed to Agent Orange, it’s presumed you were exposed to herbicides. You will need your military record to confirm you were on board the vessel.
Agent Orange Ships include:
- AGP (Assault Group Patrol/Patrol Craft Tender)
- LCM (Landing Craft, Mechanized)
- LCU (Landing Craft, Utility)
- LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel)
- LST (Landing Ship, Tank)
- PBR (Patrol Boat, River)
- PCF (Patrol Craft, Fast or Swift Boat)
- PG (Patrol Gunboat)
- STABS (Strike Assault Boats)
- WAK (Cargo Vessel)
- WHEC (High Endurance Cutter)
- WLB (Buoy Tender)
- WPB (Patrol Boat)
- YFU (Harbor Utility Craft)
There are more than 300 US Navy and Coast Guard ships linked to Agent Orange exposure due to military service in Vietnam. See the Complete List of US Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange here.
For questions about Agent Orange and the online AO ship list, veterans can call the VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 (press 3).
Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
VA presumptive conditions are conditions the VA automatically assumes (or ‘presumes’) were caused by your military service.
You only need to prove that you were in an eligible location (during a specific time period) and that you developed a qualifying presumptive condition.
The following are conditions the VA presumes are caused by Agent Orange.
Cancers caused by Agent Orange:
- Bladder cancer
- Chronic B-cell leukemia
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Prostate cancer
- Respiratory cancers (including lung cancer)
- Some soft tissue sarcomas
Note: The VA doesn’t include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma on our list of presumptive conditions.
Other illnesses caused by Agent Orange:
- AL amyloidosis
- Chloracne (or other types of acneiform disease like it)
Note: Under VA rating regulations, this condition must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of herbicide exposure.
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
- Parkinsonism
- Peripheral neuropathy, early onset
Note: Under VA rating regulations, this condition must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of herbicide exposure.
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
Note: Under VA rating regulations, this condition must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of herbicide exposure.
RELATED: What are VA Presumptive Conditions?
How to File a VA Claim for Agent Orange Exposure
You can file your VA claim for Agent Orange exposure by one of the following methods:
- By mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- By fax: 844-531-7818 (U.S) or 248-524-4260 (Outside the U.S)
- In person at a local regional VA office
Ensure you print and complete VA form 21-526EZ with your application.
Additional Resources
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Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
