United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Public Health

Exposure Related Health Concerns

 

Veterans may be exposed to a wide variety of hazards and potentially harmful substances during military service that may cause health problems.

 

Vietnam War soldier in combat gearAgent Orange Related Diseases
Certain cancers and other diseases linked to Agent Orange

Man in weelchairBirth Defects
Certain birth defects in Veterans' biological children associated with military service in Vietnam or Korea

Gulf War soldier in combat gearGulf War Veterans' Illnesses
Medical conditions linked to service during the first Gulf War through the conflict in Iraq

Silhouette of a soldier in front of the bright sunInfectious Diseases
Nine infectious diseases associated with Southwest Asia and Afghanistan military service

Radioactive containersRadiation Related Diseases
Certain cancers linked to ionizing radiation exposure during military service

female servicemember getting vaccinatedVaccinations & Medications During Service
Possible health effects of certain military vaccinations and medications

Pits left from roadside bombToxic Embedded Fragments
Shrapnel and other metals that remain in the body after injury

Dog snout with teeth showing Rabies
Disease transmitted by bite or saliva from an infected warm-blooded animal

Head scansTraumatic Brain Injury
Concussions and brain injury often caused by explosions among Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan

Silhouette of a soldier on a truck in front of the bright sunHeat Injuries
Health problems that could be caused by extremely hot temperatures

Soldiers marching through snowCold Injuries
Health problems associated with extremely cold temperatures

Man wearing workplace safety gearOccupational Hazards
Exposures from working with chemicals, paints, and machinery during service


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PTSD Information
 

Contact VA

Environmental Health
Coordinators Directory

  • Health Care
    1-877-222-8387
  • Benefits
    1-800-827-1000
  • TDD (hearing impaired)
    1-800-829-4833