Benefits Overview for Military Exposures
VA offers health care, health registry evaluations, disability compensation and other benefits to eligible Veterans. Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits.
Health care for Veterans
Veterans may be eligible for:
- Health registry evaluations, a free medical assessment for possible long-term health problems related to specific environmental hazards. You don't need to be enrolled in VA health care to take part.
- Health care, a full range of medical benefits. There are many ways a Veteran may qualify.
Disability compensation for Veterans
Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation if they have a service-related disability and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
VA presumes that specific disabilities diagnosed in certain Veterans were caused by exposures during military service or by their service:
- Agent Orange related diseases
- Gulf War Veterans' illnesses
- Infectious diseases
- Radiation related diseases
VA also presumes that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed in all Veterans with 90 days or more continuous active military service is related to their service. ALS, however, is not associated with a specific military exposure.
Learn more about disability compensation and how much VA pays.
Benefits for children with birth defects
Children who have certain birth defects and are biological children of Vietnam-era Veterans with qualifying service in Vietnam or Korea may be eligible for VA compensation, health care, and vocational training. Learn more about benefits for children with birth defects.
Survivors' benefits
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who died from health problems related to military exposures may be eligible for health care, compensation, education, and home loan benefits. Find out if you qualify for survivors' benefits.
Additional benefits
Read Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors or visit Explore VA to learn about other VA benefits.
