The VA does have significant information
regarding Agent Orange use in Korea along the demilitarized
zone (DMZ). DoD has confirmed that Agent Orange was used from
April 1968 through July 1969 along the DMZ. The military
defoliated the fields of fire between the front-line defensive
positions and the south-barrier fence.
The size of the treated area was a strip of
land 151 miles long and up to 350 yards wide from the fence to
north of the "civilian control line." There are no
records that reflect spraying within the DMZ itself.
Agent Orange and other herbicides were applied
through hand spraying and by hand distribution of pelletized
herbicides. Although restrictions limited the potential for
spray drift, run-off, and crop damage, records indicate that
effects of spraying were sometimes observed as far as 200
meters down wind.
Units in the area during the period of use of
herbicide include:
the four combat brigades of the 2nd Infantry Division (1-38 Infantry, 2-38
Infantry, 1-23 Infantry, 2-23 Infantry, 3-23 Infantry, 3-32
Infantry, 109th Infantry, 209th Infantry, 1-72 Armor, 2-72
Armor, 4-7th Cavalry); and 3rd Brigade of the 7th. Infantry
Division (1-17th Infantry, 2-17th Infantry, 1-73 Armor, 2-10th
Cavalry). Field Artillery, Signal, and Engineer troops were
supplied as support personnel as required. The estimated total
number of exposed personnel is 12,056.
For purposes of claims for service connection,
if a veteran is determined to have been exposed to Agent
Orange in Korea or in other recognized areas (e.g., Panama),
then the presumption of service connection for the listed
diseases applies.