When most people think of Agent Orange, they associate it exclusively with jungles in Vietnam. However, mounting evidence and Department of Defense records confirm that Agent Orange was stored, tested, and transported at numerous U.S. military bases, exposing thousands of service members on American soil.
Veterans who served at these locations and later developed serious illnesses may qualify for VA disability compensation, even if they never set foot in Vietnam.
As one veterans’ health advocate has stated, “Domestic exposure is one of the most misunderstood chapters of Agent Orange history, yet it affected thousands of service members nationwide.”
Understanding where Agent Orange was stored and how the VA evaluates claims tied to those locations can be critical to securing earned benefits.
Understanding Agent Orange and Its Long-Term Impact
Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide widely used by the U.S. military between 1962 and 1971. It contained dioxin (TCDD), which scientists consider one of the most toxic environmental compounds ever produced.
Environmental health researchers explain that “dioxin binds to fat tissue and can remain in the human body for decades, triggering diseases long after exposure ends.”
This explains why many veterans did not experience symptoms until years or even decades after service.
Why Agent Orange Was Stored on U.S. Military Bases?
The U.S. military stored Agent Orange domestically for several reasons:
- Stockpiling for overseas deployment
- Large-scale herbicide testing and evaluation
- Equipment calibration and training exercises
- Temporary storage prior to disposal
Improper storage, leaks, and containment failures led to soil and groundwater contamination, affecting those who lived or worked on these bases.
Veterans policy analysts note that “at the time, long-term health effects were poorly understood or minimized, leading to inadequate safety protocols.”
Confirmed U.S. Military Bases That Stored Agent Orange
Below is a verified list of U.S. military installations confirmed by VA and Department of Defense documentation to have stored or tested Agent Orange or related herbicides.
| Base Name | Location | Dates of Storage / Testing | Herbicides Stored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Chaffee | Arkansas | May–Aug 1967 | Agent Orange, Agent Blue |
| Eglin Air Force Base (C-52A Area) | Florida | 1962–1968 | Agent Orange, Purple, White, Blue |
| Apalachicola National Forest | Florida | May 1967 | Agent Orange, Agent Blue |
| Fort Gordon | Georgia | July 1967 | Agent Orange, Agent Blue |
| Kauai Branch Station | Hawaii | 1967–1968 | Agent Orange, PCP, others |
| Camp Detrick | Maryland | 1950–1951 | Agent Orange, test compounds |
| Aberdeen Proving Ground | Maryland | July 1969 | Agent Orange, mixed herbicides |
| Gulfport Naval Construction Battalion Center | Mississippi | 1968–1977 | Agent Orange, Blue, White |
| Dugway Proving Ground | Utah | 1963–1964 | Agent Orange |
| Johnston Island (Atoll) | Pacific Ocean | 1972–1977 | Agent Orange, toxic chemicals |
A former DoD environmental contractor once noted, “Some of these sites were used repeatedly because they offered isolation, not because they were safe.”
Overseas and U.S. Territory Storage Locations
Agent Orange was not limited to domestic bases. Additional confirmed or suspected storage and testing sites include:
- Base Gagetown, Canada (1967)
- Guam
- Thailand airbases
- The Philippines
- Johnston Atoll (Pacific storage hub)
Even veterans stationed stateside may have encountered contaminated equipment transported from these sites.
Health Conditions Linked to Agent Orange Exposure
VA recognizes numerous illnesses associated with Agent Orange exposure.
Medical professionals emphasize that “many of these conditions are progressive, meaning early diagnosis doesn’t always reflect the full extent of damage.”
VA-Presumptive Conditions Include:
- Prostate cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ischemic heart disease
- Chronic B-cell leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Respiratory cancers
These conditions are automatically presumed service-connected if the exposure location is recognized.
VA Compensation for Agent Orange Conditions
| Benefit Type | What Veterans Receive |
|---|---|
| Monthly disability pay | Tax-free compensation based on rating |
| VA healthcare | Treatment for presumptive conditions |
| Dependency benefits | Additional pay for spouse and children |
| Survivors benefits | DIC for eligible dependents |
| Retroactive pay | Back pay to effective claim date |
Veterans law attorneys often remind claimants that “the strongest Agent Orange cases combine service location proof with early medical documentation.”
What If Your Base Is Not on the VA’s List?
Not all contaminated bases have been officially recognized. However, veterans can still file claims using direct service connection, which requires evidence.
Helpful Supporting Evidence Includes:
- Service orders placing you at the base
- Performance evaluations or unit histories
- Photographs, letters, or maps
- Buddy statements confirming exposure
- Environmental or DoD reports
Legal professionals emphasize that “the VA cannot ignore credible evidence simply because a base is still under review.”
Recent Updates and Ongoing Investigations
As of 2025, the VA continues reviewing additional sites as environmental data emerges.
Advocacy groups argue that “new toxic exposure laws have opened the door to long-delayed recognition of domestic Agent Orange exposure.”
Veterans impacted decades ago may be eligible under updated policies if new locations are added.
Why This Matters for Veterans Today?
Agent Orange exposure often leads to life-altering diagnoses, financial strain, and uncertainty for families. Recognition through VA benefits offers both medical support and validation.
Mental health experts point out that “for many veterans, acknowledgment of exposure is as important as compensation it affirms that their suffering was not imagined or ignored.”
Final Thought
Agent Orange exposure is not just a Vietnam issue it is a national one. Veterans who served honorably at contaminated U.S. bases deserve the same recognition and benefits as those exposed overseas.
As one veterans’ law expert states, “Location should never determine the value of a veteran’s health or sacrifice.”
If you believe your illness stems from Agent Orange exposure, pursuing a claim may provide long-overdue support and justice.
FAQs
Do I qualify if I never served in Vietnam?
Yes. Veterans exposed at qualifying U.S. bases may still be eligible.
Is exposure automatically presumed for U.S. bases?
No. Domestic bases often require additional evidence.
Can I file if my illness developed years later?
Yes. There is no statute of limitations on VA disability claims.
What if my condition is not on the presumptive list?
You may still pursue a direct service-connection claim.
Can survivors file claims after a veteran’s death?
Yes. Eligible survivors may receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
