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Veterans

Vietnam Veterans

United States military involvement in the Vietnam War officially began on August 5, 1964; however, the first U.S. casualty in Vietnam occurred on July 8, 1959. Approximately 2.7 million American men and women served in Vietnam. During the war, over 58,000 U.S. military members lost their lives and 153,000 were wounded. There were 766 prisoners of war of which 114 died in captivity. The war was officially ended by Presidential Proclamation on May 7, 1975.

VA Benefits for Vietnam Veterans

Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. See our Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.

Disability Compensation for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange

VA presumes that some disabilities diagnosed in certain Veterans were caused by exposure to Agent Orange during military service.

Learn more about VA health care benefits for Veterans exposed to Agent Orange on the Veterans Health Administration's Agent Orange page.

Learn more about VA compensation benefits for Veterans exposed to Agent Orange on the Disability Compensation Agent Orange page.

Children of Veterans with Exposure to Agent Orange

Children of Veterans exposed to Agent Orange who have a birth defect including spina bifida, a congenital birth defect of the spine, and certain other birth defects may be entitled to VA benefits. These include monetary benefits, health care, and vocational rehabilitation services.

Learn more about VA compensation benefits for children of Veterans exposed to Agent Orange on the Disability Compensation Birth Defects page.

How to Apply 

There are many paths to eligibility, and applying is the best way to know if you qualify.  Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below. 

  • Apply online using VA.gov, OR
  • Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
  • In person at the nearest VA medical center or clinic, OR
  • By calling the toll-free hotline: 800-698-2411, OR
    • Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.

      File your claim using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).  Print the form, fil it out and send it to:

      Department of Veteran Affairs
      Claims Intake Center
      PO Box 4444
      Janesville, WI 53547-4444

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      We’re here anytime, day or night – 24/7

      If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves.

      Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

      Last updated: April 24, 2025