What is the Agent Orange Registry (AOR)?
This article covers the history of the Agent Orange Registry (AOR). After the Vietnam War, the VA began a program to examine and to record the names of veterans concerned about health problems related to their exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides during their military service in Southeast Asia. This program is known as the Agent Orange Registry or AOR. Almost 500,00 veterans, or one out of every six who served there, are in the registry. Eligible veterans qualify for an Agent Orange Registry examination at the VA.
Who Is Eligible for the Agent Orange Registry Exam?
Any U.S. veteran who served on active duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Regardless of the length of that service during the period January 9, 1962, to May 7, 1975. Also covered are veterans who served in Korea between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971. Or veterans who served in a unit recognized by the VA and DoD to have operated in an area in or near the Korean DMZ in which herbicides were applied. These veterans are presumed to have been exposed to phenoxy herbicides. And they are therefore eligible to enroll and obtain an Agent Orange Registry (AOR) exam.
What Laws Make You Eligible
Under Public Laws 102-585 and 100-687, if you can verify evidence of service during these times you are eligible.
Public Law 100-687, “Veterans’ Judicial Review Act of 1988.”
That a thorough AOR examination be provided to any Vietnam era veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 regardless of length of service (i.e., 1 hour, 1 day, 1 month, 1 year, etc.) and an evaluation and documentation of risk factors for Hepatitis C and providing antibody testing based on risk factors will be provided to these Vietnam veterans VHA DIRECTIVE 1302 September 29, 2000 2 (see VHA Handbook 1302.1, App. A). NOTE: Verification of service during the Vietnam era will be required.
Public Law 102-585, “Veterans Health Care Act of 1992.”
That a thorough AOR examination will be provided to veterans who served in Korea in 1968 or 1969 and who request an AOR Examination (subpar. 2d). The results of such examination will be included in the AOR and in the AOR examination program. NOTE: These participants shall be informed that this policy is relevant only to providing the AOR examination and not relevant to compensation or access to priority health care.
Under these same laws, however, any other U.S. veteran who may have been exposed to dioxin or other toxic substance in an herbicide or defoliant during their military service must provide proof of exposure to enroll and obtain an AO Registry exam.
Veterans eligible for inclusion in the AOR do not need to be enrolled in the VA healthcare system.
Does Participation in the AOR Constitute a Compensation Claim for VA Compensation?
No, although the results of an AOR exam may be used to support a subsequently filed claim, the exam in and of itself does not constitute the filing of a claim.
Legal Help for Denied VA Claims
If you have been denied your VA claim, you can appeal the decision. Cameron Firm PC has certified Veteran Appeals Lawyers on staff who will fight with you to secure the benefits you deserve. We understand the sacrifices you have made. Call us today at 800-861-7262 for a free consultation. We handle appeal cases nationwide and will get started on securing your benefits as soon as possible. Because we care.
This article is for educational and marketing purposes only. Consequently it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
