How to File a VA Disability Claim for Agent Orange-Related Conditions

First: What Is a Presumptive Condition?

If your illness is on the VA's presumptive list, you do not need to prove that it was caused by Agent Orange.If your condition is not on the list, you'll need extra evidence to prove the connection.

IF YOU HAVE A PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:

 Step 1: Confirm Your Diagnosis

You must have a diagnosis from a doctor of one of these common presumptive conditions:

Examples of Presumptive Agent Orange Conditions:

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Prostate Cancer

• Bladder Cancer

• Ischemic Heart Disease

• Hypertension

• Parkinson’s Disease or Parkinsonism

• Peripheral Neuropathy (early-onset)

• Chronic B-cell Leukemia

• Multiple Myeloma

Find the full list here:https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange

 Step 2: Gather Required Evidence

For presumptive conditions, you need:

• DD-214 – shows dates and locations of service

• Medical records – diagnosis, treatment history

• (Optional) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) – filled out by your doctor

  • Many different forms for many different conditions, locate your form in the link below

Get DD-214: https://www.va.gov/records 

Get DBQ: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_publicdbqs.asp

Step 3: (Optional) Schedule Agent Orange Registry Exam

This free VA health exam documents exposure-related illnesses.

 Call 877-222-8387 More info: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/benefits/registry-exam.asp

Step 4: File Your Claim

Use VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it:

• Online: https://www.va.gov/disability

• By mail:

  • PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444

• With a VSO (recommended): https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search

Step 5: Track & Respond

• Log in to: https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status

• Respond promptly to any VA correspondence or requests

Step 6: Attend the Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam

This is a medical exam that the VA may request for you to complete. It is conducted by a VA provider or VA contractor. It helps the VA evaluate:

• How your condition affects daily life and employment

• The severity of symptoms

Prepare by:

• Being honest about your limitations

• Describing your worst days

• Listing medications and side effects

• Bringing a spouse or caregiver if helpful

Step 7: Appeal If Needed

Denied or rated too low?

• File a Supplemental Claim (Form 20-0995) with new evidence

• Or request a Higher-Level Review

Help here: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:

Step 1: Confirm Your Diagnosis

You must still have a clear medical diagnosis of your condition (e.g., asthma, sleep apnea, migraines, arthritis, etc.).

Step 2: Prove the Connection (Causation)

Because your condition is not presumed to be caused by Agent Orange, you must submit evidence to link it to your service:

• Nexus Letter – a medical opinion stating your condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by Agent Orange. 

  • An example for what this letter looks like can be found here:Nexus Letter Template

• Service Records – DD-214 and any unit records showing where/when you served. 

  • Get DD-214: https://www.va.gov/records

• Medical Records – current and past treatment

• Buddy Statements – written testimony from fellow veterans about your exposure or symptoms.

  • Buddy Statement Form: VA Form 21-10210. Can be found here: Lay Witness Statement Form

 Step 3: (Recommended) Include a DBQ

Ask your doctor to fill out a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for your condition. This helps the VA rate your claim faster. There are specific forms for your condition.

Find the forms here:https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_publicdbqs.asp

Step 4: (Optional) Schedule Agent Orange Registry Exam

This free VA health exam documents exposure-related illnesses.

 Call 877-222-8387 More info: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/benefits/registry-exam.asp

Step 5: File Your Claim

Use VA Form 21-526EZ, and submit it:

 Online: https://www.va.gov/disability By Mail: PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547 With VSO Help: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search

Step 6: Attend the Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam

This is a medical exam that the VA may request for you to complete. It is conducted by a VA provider or VA contractor. It helps the VA evaluate:

• How your condition affects daily life and employment

• The severity of symptoms

Prepare by:

• Being honest about your limitations

• Describing your worst days

• Listing medications and side effects

• Bringing a spouse or caregiver if helpful

Step 5: Appeal if Needed

Many non-presumptive claims are denied the first time — don’t give up.File a:

• Supplemental Claim with more evidence

• Higher-Level Review if no new evidence

• Or request a Board Appeal (formal hearing)

Details: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews

Cheat Sheet

Have a Presumptive Condition?	What You Need
✔️ Yes	DD-214, medical records, 21-526EZ, optional DBQ
❌ No	All the above plus: nexus letter, buddy statements, stronger documentation

Full Checklist:

For Veterans with a Presumptive Condition

✔️	Item
⬜	Copy of DD-214 (shows service location/dates)
⬜	Diagnosis from doctor (e.g. prostate cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's)
⬜	Medical records (VA or private provider)
⬜	Completed VA Form 21-526EZ (Initial claim)
⬜	Optional: Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
⬜	Optional: Agent Orange Registry Exam (call 877-222-8387)
⬜	File claim online or with help from a VSO
⬜	Track claim & attend any scheduled C&P exam

For Veterans with a Non-Presumptive Condition

✔️	Item
⬜	DD-214 (proof of service)
⬜	Medical diagnosis from your doctor
⬜	Private or VA medical records
⬜	Nexus Letter from a qualified medical provider
⬜	Optional: Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
⬜	Buddy statements (use VA Form 21-10210)
⬜	File claim with VA Form 21-526EZ
⬜	Track claim status and complete C&P exam
⬜	Prepare for appeal if denied (Form 20-0995 or request Higher-Level Review)