Prostate Cancer: VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists Prostate Cancer as a presumptive condition in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group. The exposure it is tied to is: Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD). The presumption is effective July 27, 1994. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; Agent Orange Act of 1991.
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: Prostate Cancer
- 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)
- Effective date
- July 27, 1994
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
- Diagnostic code
- 7528
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.
About this presumption
Prostate cancer is presumptively service-connected for Vietnam-era veterans with qualifying herbicide exposure. It was among the original presumptives established under the Agent Orange Act. TCDD disrupts androgen receptor signaling and promotes prostatic epithelial cell proliferation. Vietnam veterans have been shown in epidemiological studies to have higher rates of prostate cancer diagnosis and more aggressive disease compared to the general population. Covers all stages including localized, locally advanced, and metastatic prostate cancer.
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; PSA history; biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma of the prostate (Gleason score/Grade Group); urologist or oncologist records; imaging (MRI prostate, bone scan) if applicable; even if in remission or post-treatment, file for the 100% rating during active treatment and appropriate residual rating thereafter.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; Agent Orange Act of 1991
Related on VeteranHQ
- Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7528.
- 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 Prostate Cancer and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Prostate Cancer a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Prostate Cancer as presumptive in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group, effective July 27, 1994, under 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; Agent Orange Act of 1991. 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 Prostate Cancer presumption?
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. 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 Prostate Cancer claim?
Service records; PSA history; biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma of the prostate (Gleason score/Grade Group); urologist or oncologist records; imaging (MRI prostate, bone scan) if applicable; even if in remission or post-treatment, file for the 100% rating during active treatment and appropriate residual rating thereafter. 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 Prostate Cancer?
No statutory deadline
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.