Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption): VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption) as a presumptive condition in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group. The exposure it is tied to is: Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD) — direct skin contact with TCDD. The presumption is effective July 27, 1994. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116.
A presumption removes one requirement and one only: the veteran does not have to prove a medical link between the condition and service. Everything else still applies. There must be a current diagnosis, the service has to meet the requirements below, and VA decides the claim on the evidence in the record.
What qualifies: Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption)
- Service era
- Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975); Korean DMZ; Thailand
- Service location
- Republic of Vietnam, Thailand (specified bases), Korean DMZ, Johnston Island
- Exposure
- Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD) — direct skin contact with TCDD
- Effective date
- July 27, 1994
- Filing deadline
- Must manifest to 10% within one year of last exposure
- Diagnostic code
- 7825
Service required for this presumption
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. Condition must have manifested to a degree of 10% or more within one year of the last exposure date.
About this presumption
Chloracne is a severe, persistent acneiform skin eruption specifically caused by exposure to chlorinated aromatic compounds, particularly dioxins (TCDD). It is pathognomonic for TCDD exposure and represents the most reliable biomarker of significant dioxin contact. Clinically characterized by comedones, cysts, and pustules predominantly on the face, behind the ears, in the axillae, and on the scrotum. Unlike common acne, chloracne may persist for years or decades. NOTE: This is one of the conditions with a one-year manifestation requirement.
Evidence still needed
A presumption does not remove the evidence requirement. VA still needs a current diagnosis from a medical provider and service records that show the qualifying service above. What it removes is the medical opinion connecting the two.
Service records; dermatologist evaluation documenting typical chloracne distribution and morphology; skin biopsy if diagnosis uncertain; onset history correlating with Vietnam service; photographic documentation if available.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116
Related on VeteranHQ
- Chronic urticaria: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7825.
- VA presumptive conditions, explainedHow presumptive service connection works, and what it does not cover.
- All presumptive conditions by exposureAgent Orange, PACT Act, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War, and ionizing radiation.
Questions About Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption) as presumptive in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group, effective July 27, 1994, under 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116. A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
What service qualifies for the Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption) presumption?
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. Condition must have manifested to a degree of 10% or more within one year of the last exposure date. Service era: Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975); Korean DMZ; Thailand. Service location: Republic of Vietnam, Thailand (specified bases), Korean DMZ, Johnston Island.
What evidence is still needed for a Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption) claim?
Service records; dermatologist evaluation documenting typical chloracne distribution and morphology; skin biopsy if diagnosis uncertain; onset history correlating with Vietnam service; photographic documentation if available. A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
Is there a filing deadline for Chloracne (Acneiform Eruption)?
Must manifest to 10% within one year of last exposure
VeteranHQ publishes VA rules and the citations behind them. It does not prepare, file, or represent claims, and nothing here is legal advice or a prediction of what VA will decide.