Agent Orange was an herbicide utilized by the U.S. military, notably during the Vietnam War, and has left a lasting impact not only on those directly exposed but on their descendants as well.
This article discusses the effects specifically on those often termed as “Agent Orange babies” or 2nd or 3rd generations of veterans who were exposed to the herbicide.
What is Agent Orange and What Are Its Effects?
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military utilized Agent Orange, as a defoliant to clear vegetation. It contained dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals known to science. Exposure to this herbicide has been linked to a plethora of serious health concerns and to birth defects in the offspring of affected veterans.
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So Agent Orange Effects Can Be Passed Down?
The question of whether or not Agent Orange and other herbicides harmful effects can be inherited has been a point of concern for veterans and their families, but scientific investigations are still ongoing.
Research over the years has indicated the repercussions of exposure extend beyond the individual who was in initial contact, and may impact multiple generations. However, the VA only recognizes (and awards benefits for) a limited number of conditions.
2nd Generation Agent Orange Symptoms in Children of Male Veterans
For the children of male Vietnam veterans, the VA only recognizes Spina Bifida (a neural tube defect that results in incomplete development of the spinal cord and its casing, leading to significant physical and neurological disabilities) as being caused by Agent Orange. Find out how to apply for benefits here.
In the video below, attorney Rachel Cheek explains the conditions affecting the descendants of male veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.
Agent Orange Effects in Children of Female Veterans
For the children of female Vietnam veterans, the VA admits a wider range of birth defects as associated with their service in Vietnam, though it does not explicitly tie them to Agent Orange exposure in the same way as spina bifida for male veterans. These birth defects are:
- Achondroplasia
- Cleft lip and cleft palate
- Congenital heart disease
- Congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot)
- Esophageal and intestinal atresia
- Hallerman-Streiff syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Hirschprung’s disease (congenital megacolon)
- Hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis
- Hypospadias
- Imperforate anus
- Neural tube defects
- Poland syndrome
- Pyloric stenosis
- Syndactyly (fused digits)
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Undescended testicle
- Williams syndrome
Someone affected by these second generation Agent Orange effects is eligible for VA compensation and health care if he or she:
- Has a covered birth defect, which resulted in a permanent physical or mental disability
- Is the biological child of a woman veteran who served in Vietnam during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975
- Was conceived after the date on which the Veteran first entered the Republic of Vietnam
3rd Generation Agent Orange Symptoms
Reports in more recent years suggest that the effects of Agent Orange may not be limited to just children of exposed veterans, but can extend to their grandchildren (3rd generation). Keep in mind that these are still under investigation and no conclusive studies managed to establish a link between them and Agent Orange exposure.
Some veterans’ families reported the following conditions (not officially recognized):
- Birth Defects: Congenital disabilities in the 3rd generation may include a broader range of conditions than 2nd generation, such as limb deformities and complex heart defects.
- Developmental Disorders: There are indications that developmental and cognitive disorders, including ones like learning disabilities and delays in reaching developmental milestones, may be more prevalent in 3rd generation Agent Orange babies.
- Reproductive Issues: Some studies have suggested an increase in fertility issues and reproductive health problems in the 3rd generation, raising some concerns about the long-term genetic impacts of Agent Orange.
The reported symptoms and effects of herbicide exposure in veterans’ children and grandchildren show the need for ongoing research and support for the families that are impacted. Understanding health challenges that both 2nd and 3rd generation Agent Orange babies face can help provide targeted care, advocate for benefits and ensure that the legacy of Agent Orange exposure is properly discussed and researched fully.
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Get a Free Case EvaluationCassandra Crosby, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.
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