Yes, porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is on the list of diseases the [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/) presumes are service connected for veterans exposed to herbicide agents such as Agent Orange. At Rank and Pay, we write plain-language guides on VA disability benefits.
For a porphyria cutanea tarda Agent Orange claim, the presumption carries a timing rule. VA's Agent Orange page says PCT must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of herbicide exposure. A veteran who does not meet the presumption can try a separate route, direct service connection, by showing the link with evidence.
PCT on VA's Agent Orange Presumptive List
PCT is one of the diseases federal regulations treat as service connected for veterans exposed to an herbicide agent during active military, naval, or air service. The rule sits in [38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3.309(e)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-3/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFRd5c3bbdd6cc2b17/section-3.309), which says the listed diseases shall be service connected if the requirements of 38 CFR 3.307(a)(6) are met. VA's Agent Orange page names PCT among the "other illnesses caused by Agent Orange exposure" that VA presumes are service connected.
PCT is a skin condition tied to a disorder in how the body makes heme, and it causes blistering and fragile skin on sun-exposed areas. You still need records that show the diagnosis, your service, and your exposure.
The same regulation lists other diseases next to PCT, including these:
- Chloracne or other acneform disease consistent with chloracne, another skin condition on the list
- Type 2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease
- Parkinson's disease and early-onset peripheral neuropathy
- Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic B-cell leukemias
- Prostate cancer and respiratory cancers of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea
VA can change its rules, so read the full list in the [Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) text of 38 CFR 3.309](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-3/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFRd5c3bbdd6cc2b17/section-3.309) before you rely on any single entry. Our [monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) rating guide](/explainers/mgus-va-disability-rating/) covers another condition VA ties to Agent Orange, and our [cancer rating explainer](/explainers/va-disability-rating-cancer/) covers how VA rates cancers.
VA's 10% Within 1 Year Requirement for PCT
VA's Agent Orange page says PCT must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of herbicide exposure for the presumption to apply. A PCT claim under the presumption therefore depends on evidence of when the condition first showed up.
Free help is available from accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs). Ask a VSO which exposure date applies to your service before you count the year yourself, and confirm the current requirement on [VA's Agent Orange page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/), because VA can change its rules.
Service Locations Where VA Presumes Herbicide Exposure
VA presumes herbicide exposure for service in specific places during specific dates, and VA decides whether your service qualifies.
| Location | VA's presumed exposure dates |
|---|
| Republic of Vietnam, certain U.S. vessels in Vietnam's inland waterways, or vessels within 12 nautical miles of the coast | January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 |
| Thailand at U.S. or Royal Thai military bases | January 9, 1962 to June 30, 1976 |
| Laos | December 1, 1965 to September 30, 1969 |
| Cambodia (Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province) | April 16 to April 30, 1969 |
| Guam or American Samoa or their territorial waters | January 9, 1962 to July 31, 1980 |
| Johnston Atoll or ships that called there | January 1, 1972 to September 30, 1977 |
| In or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) | September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 |
The Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll entries were added by the [PACT](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/) Act. VA also counts service in certain Air Force C-123 units and involvement in handling Agent Orange. VA's page gives the exact wording for those two categories, so read the exact wording on [VA's Agent Orange page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/) if either one describes your service.
Proving Early PCT Symptoms Years Later
You can try to show that PCT was at least 10% disabling within a year of exposure by collecting records from that period and written accounts of it. No evidence type guarantees a grant, and VA makes the decision.
- Medical records from service or the first year after exposure that mention blistering or fragile skin on sun-exposed areas, or a skin diagnosis.
- A lay statement, meaning your own written account of when the blistering started and what it looked like.
- Buddy statements, meaning written accounts from people who saw your skin during that year, such as a fellow service member or a family member.
- A medical opinion, meaning a doctor's written review of your records that addresses when PCT likely began.
Ask anyone writing a
buddy statement to name the place and the approximate date they saw your symptoms. Our [
nexus letter explainer](/explainers/what-is-a-nexus-letter/) covers medical opinion letters in more detail.
Evidence Checklist for a PCT VA Claim
Gather these items before you file, whichever route you take.
- A current medical record that shows a PCT diagnosis.
- Your DD214 and other military records that show where and when you served.
- Records that place you in a location and date range VA lists, or that show C-123 unit service or Agent Orange handling.
- Medical records from the first year after your herbicide exposure that mention skin symptoms, if an accredited representative confirms that period applies.
- Your own lay statement describing when the blistering and fragile skin began.
- Buddy statements from people who saw the symptoms during that year.
- A medical opinion, or nexus letter, if you plan to argue direct or secondary service connection.
- A copy of any earlier VA decision on PCT, if VA denied a past claim.
Direct and Secondary Service Connection for PCT
Direct service connection is a separate route for a veteran who does not meet the Agent Orange presumption. It asks for evidence of a current diagnosis, an in-service event, injury, or illness, and a medical opinion linking the two, often called a nexus letter.
If your exposure falls outside VA's listed locations, or your PCT appeared after the one-year window, this route is the one to ask about. Our [nexus letter guide](/va-claims/nexus-letter-guide/) goes further on the letter itself.
Secondary service connection is another possibility when PCT is caused by a condition VA has already service connected. Both routes are possibilities, and an accredited representative can advise on which one fits your records.
How VA Rates PCT
VA rates PCT under its rating schedule for skin conditions or by analogy to a listed skin condition. VA's schedule sets the rating, and a VSO can confirm which code applies.
Our [VA skin condition ratings guide](/va-disability/skin-conditions/) explains the skin schedule, and a free accredited VSO can review your records against it. For another skin condition rating, see our [psoriasis rating page](/va-disability/psoriasis-va-rating/). If you already have other service-connected conditions, our [combined rating explainer](/explainers/va-disability-rating-explained/) shows how VA combines a new rating with existing ones.
How to File a PCT Claim with VA
You can file a new PCT claim online, by mail, in person, or with help from a trained professional, according to [VA's how-to-file page](https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/). VA generally needs a medical record showing the condition and military records, such as your DD214, showing service and exposure.
- Collect the evidence items listed in the checklist section, starting with the PCT medical record and your DD214.
- Decide whether you are filing under the Agent Orange presumption or through direct or secondary service connection.
- If you have never filed for PCT, submit a new claim through [VA's how-to-file page](https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/).
- If VA denied an earlier claim and PCT is now on the presumptive list, file a Supplemental Claim using the form on our [VA Form 20-0995 page](/va-forms/20-0995/).
- Keep a copy of everything you send, with the date you sent it.
Free help from accredited VSOs is available at any step, including the choice between a new claim and a Supplemental Claim.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Agent Orange Decision Reviews
If you disagree with VA's decision on a PCT claim, you can choose a Supplemental Claim, a
Higher-Level Review, or a
Board appeal, all listed on [VA's decision reviews page](https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/).
If you have gathered evidence VA did not see, such as a buddy statement or a medical opinion, read our [Supplemental Claim form page](/va-forms/20-0995/) before you pick an option. An accredited representative can help you choose among the three.
Who This Is Not For
This page does not fit a veteran whose PCT has no tie to herbicide exposure in a place or unit VA lists. If that describes you, the presumption may not fit, and direct or secondary service connection is the route to discuss with a VSO. It also does not fit anyone looking for treatment advice for blistering skin, which is a question for a doctor.
What Would Change This Answer
This answer would change if VA removed PCT from its presumptive list or changed the rule that PCT be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of exposure. It would also change for you if VA added a location or date range that covers your service, or decided your service does not qualify. Read the current wording in the [eCFR text of 38 CFR 3.309](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-3/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFRd5c3bbdd6cc2b17/section-3.309) and on [VA's Agent Orange page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/) before you file.
Your next step on a porphyria cutanea tarda Agent Orange claim is to pull your DD214 and any skin records from the first year after your exposure. Then take them to an accredited VSO, or start a claim on [VA's how-to-file page](https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/).
This page is general information. It is not medical or legal advice, and Rank and Pay is not affiliated with the VA. Verify your situation with an accredited Veterans Service Officer or on [VA's how-to-file page](https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/) before you rely on it.