Jenny Lee

Long Term Effects of the Vietnam War on Veterans Physical and Psychological Health

Started Feb. 20, 2024

Abstract or project description

The Vietnam War, which lasted from 1955 to 1975, was a conflict between the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies and the government of South Vietnam and the United States. The war resulted in extensive casualties, including 2 million civilians and 1.1 million North Vietnamese and Viet Cong fighters. Today, there are 850,000 living Vietnam War veterans in the United States, many of whom still suffer from the physical and psychological consequences of the war. A significant factor impacting these veterans was the U.S. military’s extensive use of Agent Orange in the 1960s and 1970s to remove the leaves of trees and other dense tropical foliage that provided enemy cover. Exposure to Agent Orange occurred from direct spraying, soil contact, contaminated water, and other means. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a two-fold increased risk of developing prostate cancer, which is known to be more aggressive, and have higher rates of metastasis. In addition to Agent Orange exposure, veterans suffer from PTSD, depression, and anxiety, lowering overall quality of life. This research paper aims to understand the long-term health impacts, both physical and psychological, that Vietnam veterans continue to face decades after the war. It utilizes a combination of historical analysis, review of medical literature, and past studies to explore these issues in depth.