Korean War-era veterans, plus those who served in the Korea Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Apr 1968 – Aug 1971, qualify for Agent Orange presumptive benefits (DMZ herbicide exposure).
Era dates
Jun 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955
Cohort size
~5.7 million U.S. veterans served in the era; ~340,000 in Korea
Healthcare
No specific free-care window.
Operations + qualifying service
Korean War
Era-specific presumptive conditions
Agent Orange exposure (Korea DMZ 1968-1971): same 18+ presumptive list as Vietnam
PTSD (recognized for combat veterans)
Cold-related injuries: frostbite, peripheral neuropathy from exposure
GI Bill / education benefits
Korean War GI Bill (Chapter 32) — superseded; veterans transitioned to Vietnam-era / Montgomery GI Bill. Most Korean veterans now use surviving-spouse DEA Chapter 35.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Available regardless of era, character of service, or VA enrollment status.