When duty called, women have been stepping up to serve in the military from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War and the battlefields of Kuwait. Nevertheless, their participation required them to overcome numerous barriers. Society didn't welcome Vietnam War vets with the appreciation that returning soldiers receive nowadays. It made the class of Vietnam War women veterans all the easier to forget.
Generally, women were not expected to be in combat areas at this time, so many people didn't even know that women served in the Vietnam War and held diverse and essential roles supporting the war mission. However, the truth is that these brave women have served with distinction alongside men, albeit in different capacities and roles, yet they've received little to no recognition for their service.
There was no front in the Vietnam guerrilla war, no possibility of being safe behind the lines. Military records indicate that 5.8% of women were wounded in Vietnam, 20% incurred service-related disabilities, and 8% were held prisoners of war. When they returned home from their tour of duty, they experienced the same hostile reception as their male colleagues. At a time when women weren't always permitted to enlist, many still found ways to serve the nation as:
- nurses
- administrators
- air traffic controllers
- workers with the Red Cross
During the Vietnam War, more than 265,000 American women served in the military, with 90% working as volunteer nurses and medical personnel. As nurses, their responsibilities included massive casualty situations involving:
- amputations
- wounds
- chest tubes
Lasting Effects of Service in the Combat Zones
Regardless of the duties performed during the Vietnam War, women veterans were as affected as the men they served alongside. The VA acknowledged this and did a comprehensive study on the mental and physical health of women Vietnam War veterans: The Health of Vietnam Era Veteran Women's Study (2011-2012), also called Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) No. 579. The goal was to estimate the prevalence of physical and mental health problems of female veterans who served during the Vietnam War:
- PTSD
- depression
- anxiety
The study is of utmost importance to the VA and to women currently serving in the military, as it shows how combat experience could have affected women veterans' health as they age. Given the hostile treatment military women faced alongside their male counterparts when they returned to the U.S, women rarely spoke about their service; it has considerably limited the knowledge regarding their health issues.
Toxic Exposure, an Additional Threat
Participating in the Vietnam War also meant exposure to toxic substances, so many military women suffered complications from Agent Orange and developed post-traumatic stress disorder.
However, the risks did not end there: women continued serving on military bases and in other theaters of operation where they were also exposed to environmental contaminants, among them asbestos, commonly used in:
- ships
- vehicles
- construction material
Furthermore, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of toxic chemicals used in firefighting foam, have been found at many military sites, posing additional long-term health risks. These exposures are the cause of increased rates of chronic diseases among women veterans, including:
- cancers
- respiratory issues
- autoimmune disorders
It's essential to note that women veterans are entitled to the same rights and VA benefits as male veterans. They wore the uniform, faced the same dangers, and earned equal rights. Woman veterans qualify for benefits if they meet the service requirements, such as:
- exposure to specific hazards
- service in a recognized conflict
For those who qualify for filing claims, VA benefits include:
- disability compensation
- pension
- education and training
- health care
- home loans and insurance
- vocational rehabilitation and employment
- burial
All veterans can apply for VA benefits online using eBenefits. It's vital information that eBenefits remains available for now, but VA has announced decommissioning the platform in late 2025 and is going to use VA.gov
Benefits for Family Members
Veterans' children typically do not qualify for VA health benefits, but toxic contamination may provide exceptions. Specific in-service exposures, like Agent Orange, can lead to long-term health effects in veterans' children as well. In these particular cases, the VA may approve support and benefits to children who have certain congenital affections. They could be eligible if:
- the biological mother served in Vietnam from February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975, and
- the child was conceived after the mother first entered the Republic of Vietnam during the qualifying period
In addition, the child who is diagnosed with spina bifida, other than spina bifida occulta, may be eligible for different benefits.
To enroll in the Health Care Benefits Program, the applicant must first qualify for compensation from the VA. The process begins with completing VA Form 21-0304, and then sending it to the VA together with these documents:
- the mother's service record showing service in Vietnam during the requisite years
- evidence of the applicant's biological relationship with the female veteran
- birth certificate showing date of conception
- medical evidence supporting the existence of a covered congenital disability
Today, the VA recognizes and supports the unique needs of women veterans. Every VA regional office has a Women Veteran Coordinator (WVC), who is a key resource for women veterans, their families, and survivors. WVCs can answer questions on VA benefits and offer assistance with claims, including those related to military sexual trauma or other personal trauma.
Additionally, every VA medical center has a Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) created to ensure that women veterans receive the full range of care, from primary care to specialized services for chronic conditions and reproductive health.
We Offer Dedicated Support to Veterans in Pursuing Toxic Exposure Claims
Women veterans served with honor and sacrifice, and they deserve the care and support they've earned. To be fully informed and make the proper steps, they should explore all available options. Thanks to the PACT Act, there is more support than ever for women veterans exposed to toxic substances.
Even if their illness isn't on the VA's presumptive list, women veterans still have the right to file claims as long as they can demonstrate a connection between their condition and military service. As all veterans, they can apply for disability benefits and may also be entitled to financial compensation through a law firm, alongside VA benefits, if they have been diagnosed with cancer stemming from toxic exposure, such as:
- PFAS
- AFFF
- AO
We can help by putting you in touch with experienced attorneys who are ready to ensure the best outcome for your case.