There are numerous of claims that apply to disability compensation. They can be based on disabilities that existed when entering military service, but were made worse, disabilities that occurred during service, or disabilities that arose after you left the military service. VA assumes that certain diseases can be related to a Veteran's qualifying military service. We call these "presumptive diseases."
Military Exposure
Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service. VA assumes that certain diseases can be related to a Veteran's qualifying military service. We call these "presumptive diseases." Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for benefits for these diseases.
Former Prisoners of War
If you or a loved one is a former POW, compensation for service-connected injuries, diseases, or illnesses may be available.
Veterans with Lou Gehrig's Disease
VA presumes Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS) diagnosed in all Veterans who had 90 days or more continuous active military service is related to their service.
Exposures by Wars and Operations
World War II
Sept. 1, 1939 – Sept. 2, 1945
Cold War Era
1945 – 1991
Korean War
June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953
Vietnam War
Nov. 1, 1965 – April 30, 1975
Gulf War
Aug. 2, 1990 to present
Exposure Locations
AO Exposed Veterans who served
- In the Republic of Vietnam or on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia between Jan 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.
- At any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976
- In Laos from December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969
- In Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969
- In Guam or American Samoa or in the territorial waters off of Guam or American Samoa from January 9, 1962, through July 30, 1980
- In Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977
Atomic Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation and who experienced one of the following
- Participated in atmospheric nuclear testing
- Occupied or were prisoners of war in Hiroshima or Nagasaki
- Served before Feb. 1, 1992, at diffusion plant in Paducah, Kentucky; Portsmouth, Ohio; or Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- Served before Jan. 1, 1974, at Amchitka Island, Alaska
- Participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll from Jan 1, 1977 through Dec 31, 1980
- Participated in the cleanup of the Air Force B-52 bomber carrying nuclear weapons off the coast of Palomares Spain from Jan 17, 1966 through Mar 31, 1967
- Responded to the fire onboard an Air Force B-52 bomber carrying nuclear weapons near Thule Air Force Base in Greenland from Jan 21, 1968 to Sep 25, 1968
Gulf War Deployed Veterans who
- Served in the Southwest Theater of Operations (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between the two, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Somalia, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the airspace above these locations) beginning, August 2, 1990 or
- Served in Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti (Africa), Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Uzbekistan, or the airspace above these locations on or after September 19, 2001
Veterans who were stationed on Camp Lejeune
- for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987, and
- did not receive a dishonorable discharge at separation.
Exposure Categories
- Agent Orange Herbicide
- Gulf War Illnesses
- Ionizing Radiation
- Contaminated Water at Camp LeJeune
- Burn Pit Smoke
- Occupational Hazards
- Toxic Embedded Fragments
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Cold Injuries
- Heat Injuries
- Vaccinations
- Infectious Diseases
Exposure Topics A-Z
Quickly find specific information by using this A to Z tool for exposure topics.
Registry Exams
VA’s health registry evaluation is a free, voluntary medical assessment for Veterans who may have been exposed to certain environmental hazards during military service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively. The evaluations alert Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to exposure to specific environmental hazards during their military service.
Visit the VA's website for more information on the various environmental health registry exams that are offered.
Compensation And Pension Exams
Watch this video for more information on Compensation and Pension Exams.