Just about everywhere we went looked like the vegetation never existed! Was on duty there when Hurricane Camille hit Gulfport, MS and was deployed down there for rescue and recovery. Because the government claims it was never there I have had no success in being compensated. A Youngstown man exposed to agent orange settles with the VA but not as he wished. He served with 101st airborne in Vietnam in 67 and 68. I am happy for the Vietnam War veterans who are going to receive presumptive rating for their diseases. In an interview, Skinner recalled that he was an aircraft mechanic on F4 Phantom jets while serving in Thailand. I knew there had been studies done on this connection and applied. them are Veterans themselves. I was soon denied because I was on the wrong colored water. In the following link you will be able to find a representative by searching State or County listings. His living quarters were also close to a base perimeter, he recalled. Ive been told by VA examiners that its not in my blood system. My late husband was a mess sergeant and somehow field combat training. I was a Flight Deck director on the USS Kearsarge Aircraft Carrier. It will make it much easier if you know a state he has lived in. Chisholm said he and like-minded attorneys representing veterans who served in Thailand are winning these cases one at a time, but with detailed evidence, detailed arguments, detailed affidavits. Thats our job., Its still essentially a case-by-case basis, Chisholm said. This is absolutely the right thing to do for Veterans and their families.. If a service person was in Vietnam, or exposed to chemicals the VA shouldnt play God. If there is support, could you please point me in the direction needed? Vietnam War-era veterans who served in Thailand say theyre still fighting. I have had sinus surgery and have to use inhalers to breath. How do I apply again if they are actually maybe taking this seriously? VA is establishing a holistic approach to determining toxic exposure presumption going forward. The VA even treats me for it but how do I get a claim approved? Best advicedo the paperwork, get your service records, go the the VA and get an advocate. If you set foot on a land mass (in Vietnam), youre entitled to a presumption that you have been exposed to herbicides, Rhode Island attorney Robert Chisholm said in an interview. The VA inform us that we did have a claim but that they were giving funds to the children that were still alive. Iraq war vets facing similar problems with VA that Vietnam vets had to put up with.. Whats new?. All of my skin peeled off but no body was interested in my problems. ]. When I called the VA, I was told that this was not related to exposure of Agent Orange. have them find out what the procedure is? My husband, who is a Vietnam vet, has scleroderma. VA says Prove it. What about the Vietnam era vets that were state side but worked on the helicopters that were shipped back for repair and back again time after time and were covered on the floorboards with the agent orange residue. For the last 24 years, I have been trying to tell the VA that my Hypothyroidism [Graves Disease] is a result of my two years in daNam: Vung Tau, Lai Khe, TDYs to parts unknown, and lastly Saigon. It was like a checklist of everywhere I went through Iraq and Afghanistan. Even if I never see one additional dollar in compensation, it makes my day to see them put in print that yes, Agent Orange exposure causes Hypothyroidism {Graves] Disease!!! We also had Downs baby and a miscarriage also from Agent Orange. . He served during Vietnam war. Please reapply! I tried to respond to you twice, but they wont accept my posts for some reason. But we all must go through gauntlets of crap from poorly trained workers, most who have no idea what TCE and Benzene is, and who used it. My lungs and Grovers Disease was not on their list. I find.your comment of interest as I just had spinal surgery three weeks ago (Lumbar Laminotomy L2-L5). I served both in the field and in Saigon. WHY ?? Still no answer. He was buried in the VA cemetery with honors . I served at KADENA AFB on Okinawa from 1970 until 1972. Trones bill would force these to be adjudicated this quicker, presuming that they were exposed to harmful herbicides. Those of us who served on aircraft carriers operating out of yankee station are denied compensation for agent orange related conditions because we were outside the 12 mile limit. THANK YOU- Christopher Cross So what about those who served from 83 86 that got bladder cancer. March 3 (UPI) -- The Interior Department said Friday that it was taking new steps to restore the declining American bison population. Yet as you suggest, they are simply waiting for us all to die off. I have had no status updates since Congressman Doug Lamalfa of California made an inquiry. I was stationed at Camp Lejune in Feruary 1959.I had a claim filed.Last year In August I had a traumatic brain injury and nearly died twice.While I was rehabilitating from this injury I received a call from the Veterans Administration about my claim.We got into an argument she told me she was also a Marine she was very nasty. 800-829-4833, Veterans Crisis Line: In October 2020, the VA denied Xenia resident and Thailand veteran Paul Skinner compensation for what Skinner believed was Agent Orange exposure, with the VA informing Skinner in a letter: Your personnel records still fail to show that during your duties you were exposed to Agent Orange or tactical herbicides while performing daily duty assignments at Udom (Royal Thai Air Force Base).. Saw VSO last month. Agent Orange while serving in Thailand during the Vietnam Era. A VSO will get you I feel there should be some consideration into this matter due to the suffering of many veterans. Both are tumors in the thyroid caused by AO. This letter rejecting Skinners claim cited an Aug. 2015 memo from the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), a memo that veteran Robert McHenry, a friend to Skinner and others, fought for years. Unfortunately, not all VA reps are equal. You wrote an exact copy of what happened to me!! I hope that for those who have struggled with financial burdens that help i He served in Vietnam in the Army from 1967 -1968. "Many of those who have been exposed are living with cancers, heart disease or Parkinson's disease. My husband who was diagnosed with B cell non Hodgkin lymphoma started his treatment outside the VA then someone told him to go to the VFW or American Legion. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/locations/tests-storage/index.asp. This is important to a number of Airmen as it seems to affect us later in life with lung, sinus and cough issues. Had a doctor and a judge state that my leukemia was the result of exposure to agent orange but the VA is giving me 0 per cent compensation. He mentioned this orange agent lawsuit to me years ago when I was still in early teens. quadruple bypass Parkinsons like syndrome VA do the right thing. I am a Vietnam Veteran who, has lived with critical neuropathy after several EMGs. Why try? Maybe the mindset at the VA is to defer as long as possible and let time run out for a large number of us. We were in the field living in tents during phase line papa. Sounds as tho EVERYTHING is denied!! Please contact to see someone from the American Legion Office Or others organizations as such that help Vets to file claims for higher disabilities and compensations. 1. the va dont care about vets !!! Developed diabetes. Then about 2015 he started having issues with falling and passing out. Vietnam War era Veterans and their survivors who previously filed and were denied benefits for one of these three new presumptive conditions will have their cases automatically reviewed without the need to refile a claim. If you have a copy of his DD214 and / or know the unit he was in you have a starting point. These conditions include: Bladder Cancer Hypothyroidism : A condition occurs when the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones During 2020-2021, VA and DoD updated thelist of locations based on new information to several locations in the U.S. and oversees, including Thailand, Korea, and Alabama. I was brown water navy for three or four months and had exposure to ground troops who were barracks on the APD 40 Nueces where I and others had to tear down their bunks when we decommissioned our ship. I remember returning home for Vietnam in 1973 only to be SPAT on by college students as if to shame those of us who served, AND remember, we were FORCED to serve if your draft number was low. So it came as no surprise in around 2015 when the VA decided that it was not going to service-connect disabilities to alleged Agent Orange and tactical herbicide exposures in Thailand without the "blessing" of this mysterious little government unit known as the "JSRRC.". Following the passing of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, there are now three new conditions on the Agent Orange presumptive list. Also, Lung cancer has been a recognized Agent Orange presumptive disease for more than 20 years. A thankless smelly unending job, which I was proud to do. I have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. And I wanted to try to talk to him, Ellen Spinks. Id be contacting your advocate asap and get your claim going! How is sht burning not considered exposure to particulate matters? How about those of us that served in Okinawa and were exposed to AO on the boats that were sent from Vietnam for repairs? They called me in for tests numerous times and had me interviewed by a psychiatrist, but other than that I never saw a doctor at the VA. Several months passed and I received a litter from the VA in which a doctor stated that he had examined me and found no diabetes or heart disease. I called Palo Alto pain clinic for back treatment. Those conditions are bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism. Parkinsons? ALL WHO SERVED DESERVE TO KNOW the answer/s to question/s being addressed. Used bales of rags to clean it up. My dad fueled planes in Vietnam in 1969 and was exposed daily for a year. I was in Vietnam during the year 1970. Do I have any recourse in this matter. Chloracne (if it presents within one year of exposure to a degree of 10 percent disabling) what i find as unfair is my brother was in viet nam also during the same time he is getting paid for agent orange but im still being denied. The children of Vietnam are still affected by it. Im 72 and my time is limited and its been a long hard road, but Ive raised my posterity. Where does that leave his claim? Foc also told me that the PAHC senior executive has left and there are no more nurses to assist the doctors. Being exposed just doesnt stop with the military member. Will every case be reopened? Had to fight like hell through the VSO and got rated 70% about 4 years before he died. The longer they can lie and deny the more they save. Try getting your money back on any of this. March 3 (UPI) -- The lesion that President Joe Biden had removed from his chest last month during his physical was a common type of skin cancer, his physician said Friday. Now it should be noted that when the chemical was sprayed one could not help but be exposed to it as the only way to the barracks was by military bus and if one wanted to eat one had to walk to the Mess Hall. Did you carry/transfer AO to our ship or have any records? File a claim for DIC at va.gov or find a good VA advocate to help you. I refuse to die just to piss them off! Charles, Dennis, Edward, Elliott, Gary, Harold, James, Jeppie, Jerry, John (3), Joseph, Patrick, Paul, Robert (2), Roy, Steve, Terry, Thomas & Willy. I always hoped we could connect with his family to let him know how much he meant to him, but all I have is a first name and description and where he was from. So besides having survived Vietnam, there was Aniston. Chronic B-Cell Leukemia He was assigned to the 14th Engr Combat Battalion attached to the 1st Cav airmobile division. The only reason not to add it is the cost. Contact DAV they will help you get started and shepherd your claim through. Guess they hope I die. He has to apply and use a catheter twice a day, something he expects to do for the rest of his life. It should be no different in the case of the Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange," Cartwright said in the same statement. What you did for this for this country I s not too Much to ask. If you get turned down you need to appeal and likely will then be called for an appointment to see a VA doctor. I had no idea the Government was actually compensating servicemen exposed to such danger. WELL I HAVE HEAT PROBLEM TYPE 2 DIABETES ENLARGED PROSTATE AND SUFFER FROM PAINAT DIFFERENT TIMES AS WELL AS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. 4th MAW. Former United States Army Vietnam Veteran and President of Veterans for Peace David Cline look for his fallen comrades names on the Vietnam War Memorial with member of Veterans For Peace, during a campaign event bringing together victims of Agent Orange exposure, a deforestation chemical used in the Vietnam War, in Washington, D.C. on November 28, 2005. But proving it isnt always possible, others say. Hang in there Brother. I was in VN 1968-69 , I have my bladder removed and prostate around 2002 at Palo Alto VA hospital in California ,all by cancer. My dad served the US Airforce in 1952 through unknown date due to his records was burned in the 1973 fire. I later found that they were reimbursed by my private medical insurance. Thailand veterans harmed by Agent Orange hope Congress will hear them Caption Local News By Thomas Gnau Nov 1, 2021 Legislation addresses presumption that Thailand vets weren't exposed to. article ul li { list-style: disc; padding: 5px 0; } Call: 988 (Press 1), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420. He passed away In 1994 from Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. in 1972 after coming back from Vietnam-went to VA in Albq., spent week in Hospital with a body rash all over except in crotch area-face-hands-looked and felt like sandpaper-VA told me was caused by a tick bite reaction-gave me numerous medications-to this day-I still get rash on my body and boils on my buttocks-very uncomfortable-was denied agent orange filing for it-our youngest son had his skin on fingers fall-off-I have faith in our VA Facilities-but not in our VA Leaders in getting info about all other Agent Orange Conditions-we are short of time-Please, may you do what is right for our remaining survivors God Bless America and those that pray for all humanity-to live in PEACE, TYPO? I have a number of health issues from that have been linked to those exposures, but the health problems are not yet covered even in the presumptive diseases of the water contamination. Seems like mission is to dissuade veterans. At around 60 I took on the fight which took 14 months of going through their hoops, fighting for assistance. We both came down with Hodgkins Lymphoma. How do I start a claim? What do I do now? The Va clinic says, I dont know what your talking about. Operation restore democracy in Haiti 1994. VA will not make them wait any longer. I have applied several times for benefits associated with bladder cancer and prostate cancer that I canttaccontracted in Korea in 1968 -69. Keep fighting my brothers an sisters. Ischemic heart disease. But we did. Operation Ranch Hand exposed millions of people in Southeast Asia and at least 500,000 American troops to the chemical. If a claim is denied for 20 years and then was the granted at 100%, they saved over $800,000.00. Thats where my father was and how I know he died! They can never repay me for my loses or my daughters! Now I have all kinds of wonky neurological problems and autoimmune disease. Have you filed everything yourself. That is why he called me! , my fathers name was Gary Tollie.USMC va sent me on a disk.Hell he wouldnt even do that to help you . But they were all sprayed.. A VSO may be able to do something, but dont hold your breath. How do I find out about agent orange being used in Korea up by the DMZ during 1973 and 1974. i received my disability for heart and Diabeties II. Good luck!! Good luck! Will his claim be reviewed now in light of the new findings? If you did not file a claim in 2010, you need to file a claim for disability benefits. They have requested information for my diseases but I have never heard back from them. Im 71 documented Agent Orange but no claim with VA. Im having more and more medical issues, Have filed with a VSO and was denied. His primary care doctor believes this was a result of exposure to Agent Orange but a VSO has submitted a claim on my behalf for him. What about me!!! Got bladder cancer treated by VA. My father was in Vietnam this same period he died 25 years ago from Pancreatic Cancer. Ill ask for the unit your husband was in and during what time period. I have no family history of Diabetes, Polycythemia Vera or Carcinoid Cancer, so I think the VA is wrong. I have lost a kidney to cancer, had stage 3 Lymph cancer treated, skin cancers, and colon cancer treatments. I marked it off and put in my Training Jacket. I was in Khe Shan during Tet Offensive during 1967-68 and was sprayed continuously as the government tried to clear vegetation. The veteran representative we now have in our county told me that the more that happens, the greater the numbers to have it considered for approval. Together, we must take action to save lives. A solution by Congress may be the best approach, some attorneys and veterans advocates say. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used Agent Orange and a variety of other "tactical herbicides" to kill vegetation and defoliate trees. I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River for 5 years in the early and mid 80s. My husband was in Korea 1973-1974 he was in the 37thArtillery 6th Battalion Camp Essayons.Will any new VA expand benefits help him? But trying very hard to keep him home and providing total cares. I dont know dates ir anything and sadly my mother passed a few months back and I have no other family to ask. He kept his job until he died. He didnt receive a dime from the military, because when they finally approved him he died 2 days later. Does anyone know if Agent Orange was used during the Korean War? Military Times reported that 50,000 U.S. troops were deployed to Thailand alone at the height of operations, but it isn't clear how many later deployed to Vietnam and are already eligible for presumptive benefits status. Take your claims information to a Veterans Service Officer and get advice before filing the claim. VA kept telling him he had to PROVE he was unemployable at the age of 63 when he had already retired and was on Social Security because he didnt have the stamina to hold a job. of the V.A. I was in Vietnam for 2 1/2 years flying as a combat support crew chief. Catch 22! I never used the VA health System for 35 years. Thats what we do; we get creative, Mineer said. You may not have standing to file for benefits. I was around that Agent Orange. I served from 1968-68 with the first Marines . Some men are so sick they might not be capable of having the clarity of mind to fight for their rights. Need help. When I read that the Blue Water Navy was getting this it upset me so if you were off the coast of Vietnam you can get it. A lock ( Woo hoo! I was exposes to the toxic water, ( when I say exposed, I mean drinking, cooking and bathing in it) and developed hypothyroidism in my mid 40s. In I was told they received it to late and no further action At 40, I already had two heart operations (outside the VA). Bob has been fighting this letter since it came out, Skinner said. Can I file a claim now. Thank you. Ive had issues with my hands shaking for a long time. My 1st duty station was Task Force Delta as is shown in my records. Not one time has anyone at the VA offered to help me with claims or appeals for any of these issues. I had heart surgery in 1998 to remove the pericardial sac from my heart. Thank you for complying with what had to be forced on you, Mr. Secretary, after thousands of my brothers had to die. Never heard. When I filed my clame and had the physical in Detroit I was also told that even before the pandemic, claims decisions were never made in less than four months. Can i get VA assistance? Hi, sorry to hear about everyone having issues getting benefits for thier loved ones. I do have one subjection: STOP starting wars. If these conditions are presumptively associated with exposure to Agent Orange, why does the VA take forever to settle claims? Another one of my buddies was just diagnosed with bladder cancer. Welcome to the Ultimate Agent Orange Guide for VA Disability Benefits. If none of these is a match, please let me know so I wont continue to look for a reply from you. My loved one is in hospice at this moment any time hes going to be restored to the kingdom of God. Quite the coincidence. Sorry, but I dont have the time or ability to bear the burden of responsibility when it comes to proving this issue. They save a lot of money by just refusing claim after claim. Is there any advantage to further filings?? Currently, Skinner hopes to make a case before a VA judge in perhaps a year, maybe longer. In the same time frame as my Prostate claim submission I was diagnosed and had subsequent surgery for Bladder Cancer. Why not better support vets than pay people to not look for or accept job offers. The Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act, introduced by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., and Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Penn., would allow veterans who served in some other countries during the conflict to access benefits without providing additional evidence. If he won it, then you are entitled to his compensation although it will be much less $ than what he would have received. Both of my brothers were born before my father was deployed and have no serious medical issues and are about as healthy as you can be. has never reviewed my case as of June 2021. Had thyroid cancer and had it removed in 2018. The letter acknowledges that I have the conditions, but states that my service is not believed to be the cause. Hod ridiculous! The age group I am in seems to greatly effected with neuropathy and because we are not diabetics, the VA will not consider this ailment as a cause of Agent Orange. What about those of us Vietnam era vets that served on stateside bases such as Ft Gordon ga? while going through a colnoscopy when i was told they (the doctors and my team care givers) had been looking at my thyroid glans and let me know that they have concerns. Thanks for helping the lady above. Your best bet is your local VSO. Im fully compensated, tax free, and have free medical. Lets be real, this was 60 years ago, Trone said. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links. Tom, you need to file if you were in the exact place where agent orange was employed the perimeter of an air base. These are the evidence pieces you should give to your VSO, or if filing on your own, the evidence you scan and attach when submitting a claim at VA.gov. So it certainly seems like Agent Orange was in his system all those years before Parkinsons. and last updated 2021-02-08 21:35:02-05. . I know a Roberto Bustamante in Tampa Fl. This goes on all the timeIm hung up on constantly, if I call 3 times they just hang up on me 3 times. Over two years in one place. Pittsburgh VA developed an intervention to prevent emergence delirium, a temporary condition when a patient awakens from a procedure. Your Vet must reapply or up dating his File with new conditions ,etc.to get higher rating and more benefits such as nursing home , etc.also you as his caregiver you can register with VA caregiver support Orgonization to become his sole caregiver at home then you may be able to quality for compensation as well. Multiple Myeloma Was not easy but with their help it can be done. I have Parkinsons, nerve, ligament damage and nodules on my lungs. The investigation did confirm use or tests in additional sites and dates in other locations. 2. U-Tapao Air Base, Thailand, 1972The National Archives, Health Care You also have to Turner hassupported similar legislationin the past. They were swimming in it while working on them, not realizing what it was, only to develop symptoms years later but they dont get consideration for benefits because they were never IN COUNTRY. Trying to add timeframes is like saying one person can have same contamination but we dont care because it was before a war period. My husband also served 67-68 with the Army, from DaNang, all the way up to the DMZ at Camp Evans as an Engineer attached to the 1st Cav. Be Well, Steve. Last year's Defense Spending Bill included a provision, introduced by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., that added presumption of service connection for Agent Orange-linked illness for veterans suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson's disease. Very same happened to me. We need to be filling their mailboxes with our concerns as often as possible. Thank goodness Ol Uncle Sugar is on the case! to leave the ship and make his way home to his wife and daughter. Why wont the VA properly recognize my 100% physical disability obviously caused by exposure to Agent Orange for the last 40+ years??!!!! Four years later, it gets approved and I file my claim on 1 March.. I need to be working but I cannot! This was the only work I ever did under such conditions and now I pay a very high price, no future. I believe I might get something after I am dead. I served in Vietnam 66-67 a grunt with the 1st Infantry Division I have intestrial lung disease/pulmonary fibrosis these are not considered related to agent orange exposure which is toxic so Im not eligible for disability and it should be you have to get lung cancer to get benefits. GOONIE BIRDS got better treatment! She doesnt know war battles,,you just cant stop. VAs review supports initiation of rulemaking to address the role that particulate matter pollution plays in generating chronic respiratory conditions, which may include asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis for Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War and/or after September 19, 2001, or in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War. My dad died on my 57 birthday. is being forced because of these new laws and regulations to admit exposure they previously denied. He died at the young age of 47 due to cancer in his leg. We all suffered mentally and physically and are still suffering. Suggest you contact your local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter. Youre absolutely correct. Mekong Delta. How about those of us that served in Okinawa and were exposed to AO on the boats that were sent from Vietnam for repairs? I feel like Charlie Brown kicking his football and our government is Lucy and like Lucy our government will pull the rug out from all of us. However, there was a terrible consequence: Exposure to Agent Orange resulted in cancer, birth defects, and other significant ailments. Too bad this wont help my father or my family. Benefits are not necessary at this point for us. The condition affected my right leg, mostly, causing numbness where I had to rely upon a cane in order to walk. So, just because youre not a veteran doesnt mean Agent Orange didnt effect you. This needs to be mentioned in your claim. You have to prove it.. I sent in my biopsy showing prostate cancer and my Bronze Star commendation for service in country. Trump legal team requests six-month delay in New York civil lawsuit. My husband was a Vietnam vet. The term agent orange has to be removed from any claim and replaced with herbicide which is a denial by our VA that the chemical was used to defoliate the perimeters of all the air basis in Thailand. My daughter had to have her thyroids removed when she was a young teenager. I guess the VA doesnt believe the wind blows, Skinner said. Im a child of a deceased Vietnam vet. This is a real thing.it is not just a problem with females that served and were exposed. He was in Korea 6 mos after the presumptive tome of exposure to agent Orange. Thank God for the one Veteran who talked me into trying one more timeand for the state of Arkansas VSO. We filed an Agent Orange claim in 1977 for our daughter was born with many birth defects that are on the birth defects that were caused from the Agent Orange. He died of Acute On Chronic Respiratory Failure. When a Veteran mentioned he had only been out of the house three or four times in four years, his occupational therapy team sprung into action. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. My son served in the Army in Desert Storm, so he has his own issues on top of being the son of a Nam vet. HS6 and HC7, both performed Search and Rescue and HC7 was the US NAVYs ONLY COMBAT SEARCH AND RESCUE SQUADRON IN VIETNAM. My submitted medical paperwork included my Bladder Cancer, but I was told it could not be included with my Prostate Cancer claim because it was on the list for approval, but had not been approved. Thank you for allowing me to vent. What about us Ft McClellan vets? Since this law took effect in early January, 2020, under the previous administration Im not sure why the Secretary is crowing about it. Go to the nearest Disabled American Veterans office and ask them for assistance. I served as an infantryman during the same period. Also this was 72 till76. Parkinsons is a presumptive disease which means you only have to prove you have it. It only affects less than 1% of the population. Tried to find more information but doctor at VA didnt want to fully confirm nor deny exposure to Agent Orange.
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