Aug 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (combat zone); 1961-1975 (full era)
Vietnam-era veterans — including in-country, blue-water Navy, Korea DMZ, and Thailand-based servicemembers — qualify for Agent Orange presumptive benefits, including the 2024 hypertension expansion.
Operations + qualifying service
- Vietnam War
- Operation Rolling Thunder
- Tet Offensive operations
Era-specific presumptive conditions
- Agent Orange exposure (18+ presumptive conditions): hypertension, ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, all major cancers, Parkinson's, MGUS, AL amyloidosis, peripheral neuropathy
- Camp Lejeune water contamination (if served Aug 1953 – Dec 1987)
- PTSD (well-recognized for combat veterans of this era)
GI Bill / education benefits
Vietnam-era GI Bill (Chapter 30 / Montgomery GI Bill predecessor). Many Vietnam veterans transferred benefits to dependents under DEA Chapter 35.
Key resources
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.
Other service eras
