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Burn pits in the Middle East. Agent Orange in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia Theatre.
Many veterans are familiar with some of the more publicized toxic exposure events in military history.
But what about Korean War Veterans and Korean DMZ Vets? Do they qualify for any presumptive conditions?
In this post, we’ll look at whether or not there are presumptive conditions for Korean War Veterans and Korean DMZ Veterans.
Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
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Are There Presumptive Conditions for Korean War Veterans?
No. The Korean War officially ended in 1953. Since Agent Orange wasn’t used in Korea until 1967, there aren’t technically any presumptive conditions for Korean War Veterans.
However, there are Korean War Veterans benefits available to Korean War vets with a qualifying VA-ratable condition.
Are There Presumptive Conditions for Korean DMZ Veterans?
Yes. If you served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for any length of time between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971, the VA presumes they were exposed to Agent Orange. This would qualify you for presumptive conditions relating to toxic exposure.
Agent Orange Korea
While you must have a medical diagnosis to receive VA disability for presumptive conditions, you don’t have to prove that your illness or disease started during, or got worse because of, your military service.
VA Presumptive List for Agent Orange
- Primary amyloidosis, code 7717
- Chloracne or similar acneform disease, code 7829 (must manifest to 10% within 1 year of last exposure)
- Type 2 diabetes, code 7913
- Hodgkin’s disease, code 7709
- Ischemic heart disease, code 7005 (does NOT include high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, or stroke)
- All chronic B-cell leukemias, code 7703
- Multiple myeloma, code 7709 or 7703
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, code 7715
- Parkinson’s disease, code 8004
- Peripheral neuropathy (must manifest to 10% within 1 year of last exposure)
- Porphyria cutanea tarda, code 7815 (must manifest to 10% within 1 year of last exposure)
- Prostate cancer, code 7528
- Lung cancer, code 6819
- Bronchial cancer, code 6819
- Throat cancer (Larynx cancer), code 6819
- Trachea cancer, code 6819
- Adult fibrosarcoma, code 5329
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, code 5329
- Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, code 5329
- Liposarcoma, code 5329
- Leiomyosarcoma, code 5329
- Epithelioid leiomyosarcoma (malignant leiomyoblastoma), code 5329
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, code 5329
- Ectomesenchymoma, code 5329
- Angiosarcoma (hemangiosarcoma and lymphangiosarcoma), code 5329
- Proliferating (systemic) angioendotheliomatosis, code 5329
- Malignant glomus tumor, code 5329
- Malignant hemangiopericytoma, code 5329
- Synovial sarcoma (malignant synovioma), code 5329
- Malignant giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, code 5329
- Malignant schwannoma, code 5329
- Malignant mesenchymoma, code 5329
- Malignant granular cell tumor, code 5329
- Alveolar soft part sarcoma, code 5329
- Epitheliod sarcoma, code 5329
- Clear cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses, code 5329
- Congenital and infantile fibrosarcoma, code 5329
- Extraskeletal Ewing’s sarcoma, code 5329
- Malignant ganglioneuroma, code 5329
- Bladder cancer, code 7528*
- Hypothyroidism, code 7903*
- Parkinsonism, code 8004*
- High blood pressure, code 7101**
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), code 7712**
*These three conditions were added in January 2021.
**These two conditions were added on August 10, 2022.
In August 2022, the passing of the VA PACT Act expanded the number of presumptive conditions for veterans.
There also have been health effects, including congenital disabilities, related to Agent Orange, which can qualify as a presumptive condition.
If you were previously denied a claim, but your condition is now considered presumptive, you should file a Supplemental Claim.
While the VA will attempt to contact you regarding your potentially now eligible claim, you don’t need to wait for them to file your Supplemental Claim.
In addition, if you have already filed a claim, and the condition is now considered presumptive, you don’t have to do anything; the VA will still consider it presumptive.
What is Agent Orange?
Agent Orange is a highly toxic herbicide the United States used during the Vietnam era to clear vegetation and destroy forest cover to expose enemy forces’ hiding places and supply routes.
Unfortunately, the herbicide exposure resulted in health effects on the soldiers who fought in Vietnam.
Agent Orange contains TCDD, a known carcinogen, which has been associated with various health issues in humans, including congenital disabilities, certain forms of cancer, and additional long-term health problems.
Korean DMZ Vets & Korea Agent Orange Exposure
The VA presumes that Korean DMZ Vets who served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during specific times were exposed to Agent Orange.
Presumptive Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange in Korea
The general eligibility criteria for Korean DMZ Veterans exposed to Agent Orange is serving in Korea between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971.
To qualify for VA disability, you must have a medical diagnosis of an Agent Orange-related illness condition AND one of the following:
- You served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for any length of time between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971.
- Pro Tip: While you don’t have to link your presumptive condition, injury, or illness to your military service, you still must file a claim to be eligible for disability benefits and compensation.
3 Ways for Korean DMZ Veterans to Submit a Claim for Presumptive Conditions
- Online: The easiest way to submit a claim is through the va.gov website.
- By mail: Complete and mail VA Form 21-526EZ to
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- In-person: Visit a VA regional office near you and submit your completed claim form.
The length of time it takes to receive the decision on your claim varies depending on:
- The type of claim you filed
- How many disabilities and injuries you claimed, and what is their complexity
- How long it takes the VA to obtain relevant evidence and information regarding your claim
You can check the status of your claim online or by contacting the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
(Video) Agent Orange Exposure: Exploring the Link to Presumptive Conditions Under the PACT Act
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions About Presumptive Conditions for Korean War Veterans and Korean DMZ Vets
Was Agent Orange Used in Korea?
Yes, Agent Orange was used in Korea from approximately between 1968 and 1971, but it resided in the environment for years, leading to contaminated soil, water, and food sources.
Are There Presumptive Conditions for Korean War Veterans?
No. The Korean War ended in 1953, and Agent Orange wasn’t used in the DMZ until 1968.
Are There Presumptive Conditions for Korean DMZ Veterans?
Yes. Veterans who served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971, could qualify for presumptive conditions relating to Agent Orange exposure.
Can the VA deny a Presumptive Condition for Korean DMZ Vets or Korean War Veterans?
Yes. However, in most cases, the VA won’t deny you disability for presumptive conditions unless they find you didn’t serve in the specified area during the qualifying time period.
Remember, any disabilities must clearly connect to presumed exposure during your active duty service.
Are There Time Limits for Applying for Presumptive Condition Benefits?
No. Typically, there is no time limit to filing a claim for a presumptive condition, and you can apply for benefits at any point, even years after your military service.
However, we recommend filing a claim as soon as possible so you get the benefits and compensation you deserve!
Do I Need a Nexus Letter for Presumptive Conditions for Korean War Veterans?
No. Since presumptive conditions are presumed to be caused by your military service, you don’t need a nexus letter to link your condition or disease and active duty service. You will still need a nexus statement from a medical professional (such as a private doctor or your C&P examiner).
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