I understand that there are backlogs and staffing limits. I have applied several times for benefits associated with bladder cancer and prostate cancer that I canttaccontracted in Korea in 1968 -69. We have a wonderful VA home in Sulphur Oklahoma. Each generation poisoned the one after them with Chemicals they used on our bases. I think a diagnosis of prostate cancer from agent orange means an automatic 100% disability rating. I hear you my brother Vietnam vet recently died two tours Vietnam suffered with brain disease, I see some talking months of waiting, Im talking decades he waited, working yes but suffering, wife and family suffering. Centerville resident McHenry died in July 2021 at the age of 74. I served as an infantryman during the same period. That something was diesel fuel and sht. What did Kissinger quote! WELL I HAVE HEAT PROBLEM TYPE 2 DIABETES ENLARGED PROSTATE AND SUFFER FROM PAINAT DIFFERENT TIMES AS WELL AS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. I am a bladder cancer survivor (early detection). He died at the young age of 47 due to cancer in his leg. Together, we must take action to save lives. VA says Prove it. Nevermind that he was likely suffering from the metastatic cancer for the previous few years.undiagnosed. If you have questions or information about locations where tactical herbicides were used, tested, or stored, please contact the DoD Armed Forces Pest Management Board by e-mail, fax, or mail: E-mail: osd.pentagon.ousd-atl.mbx.afpmb-tactical-herbicides@mail.milor osd.pentagon.ousd-atl.mbx.afpmb@mail.mil, Address: Armed Forces Pest Management Board U.S. Army Garrison Forest Glen 2460 Linden Lane, Building 172 Silver Spring, MD 20910, Health Care How meany of us will have to die a slow painful death before we can get recognized for needed benefits ? Major 321 MW solar farm in Texas moves close to a final investment decision. When I put in for it in Topeka Kansas I was told I could not collect until the Navies law suit was completely processed. He served in Vietnam in the Army from 1967 -1968. Now I have all kinds of wonky neurological problems and autoimmune disease. This check was blood tests and 20 minutes with the Doctor who was more interested in possible PSTD than anything. I have an idea of how to get started. 45 years to get in the VA! 2. NOT a great idea sending him to the coastline and semi-jungle conditions back into death and destruction, but thats Uncle Sam for you. Some have won on appeal.. from 9/67 to 5/68, we had 2 helicopter Squadrons home Based on our ship. I cannot claim exposure to AO due to neither the Pentagon or Headquarters MC being allowed to tell the VA that I was actually in country and exposed. But trying very hard to keep him home and providing total cares. I would rather have died instantly on the battlefield with glory than suffer daily this slow death from Parkinsons developed from the toxic exposure from water at Camp Lejeune. So what about those who served from 83 86 that got bladder cancer. What about the other 4 years he was stuck to the damn oxygen? If I were a civilian in Aniston I could sue and at least get my medical bills paid forbut I was just serving my country so I guess I dont deserve to be treated like a human being. I am amazed that the VA believes burn pit issues only affect those serving in the more recent SW Asia campaigns. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, We die as you ignore. have them find out what the procedure is? Everyday it is a fight with V.A. 2 [Discussion Draft] 1 SEC. I also have a rare cancer of the blood called Polycythemia Vera, VA says PV was not caused by AO. They call me to cancel an appt. Isnt the esophagus part of the air intake (respiratory) system??????!!!!! Seems like mission is to dissuade veterans. The burn pits were operating no matter which way the wind was blowing. Loaded agent orange, asked what was in the drums, they said they could not tell me. Back then I should have reported him. He had similar circumstances with diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer in Nov. 2014 and passed May 2015. I was in An Loc the same time with B Troop 1\9. He use to say they would spray agent orange below the hills he was on to control the jungle below them. Catherine, you and other children of vets have to keep filing with related conditions in order for the VA to show a heredity correlation to the disease to base the approval. . 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. The investigation did confirm use or tests in additional sites and dates in other locations. Sen. Due to the operations being Politically Incorrect today all information about where we were at and did is still classified today. Smfh!! Youll quickly see youre not alone! My husband, who is a Vietnam vet, has scleroderma. Our 29 year old son was just diagnosed with CML Leukemia. God help us! But we filed a claim for our daughter for the Agent Orange. How about the contaminated waters in Fort Dix, The VA will take about three to six months reviewing My husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer 3 years ago. Put in claim many years ago when bladder cancer became presumptive. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Never seems to end. ABF3 USS HORNET (CVS-12). 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. I was in Vietnam for 2 1/2 years flying as a combat support crew chief. When was this and what was this? They will help you prepare your disability claim . Thailand veterans harmed by Agent Orange hope Congress will hear them - Congressman David Trone November 01, 2021 Thailand veterans harmed by Agent Orange hope Congress will hear them Credit: Dayton Daily News, Thomas Gnau Vietnam War-era veterans who served in Thailand say they're still fighting. your claim. I tried to respond to you twice, but they wont accept my posts for some reason. Fortunately, I finally learned that the best way to deal with PTSD was to have a vigorous workout every day! What about veterans in operation restore democracy who were exposed to shit burning details? The base I was assigned to refueled C-130s with Agent Orange and it was used to control our foliage. This should be examined by the V.A. Nam Vet [69 71] AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE . The chemicals, grease removers, cleaners, foam retardants sprayed often we used without question. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2010. Any Veteran who is contaminated on the Job regardless of timeframe deserves help. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The only problem is we the wife take care of them but once they pass they give us very little money as surviving spouse . He was buried in the VA cemetery with honors . This goes on all the timeIm hung up on constantly, if I call 3 times they just hang up on me 3 times. They used that letter repeatedly to deny claims, Mary Flodder, McHenrys widow, said in an interview. Recent changes in both blue and brown water sites should apply to your husbands service. Its about time! When they say thank you for your service, usually it is meaningless. I have heard nothing since. He loved his job. Got bladder cancer treated by VA. So, just because youre not a veteran doesnt mean Agent Orange didnt effect you. He was a body builder & very health conscious! I served in Viet Nam Nov 70 -Nov 71, at Anloc VN and was diagnosed in 2010 with hypothyroidism. I was there for six months at ft. McClellan the Va keep trun me down on my lung that started there at ft. McClellan they say they dont know what to called it they know they dont want to Admit to it my name is Roy Kilgore, Can someone tell me why or how Agent Orange can skip the stomach. The V.A. I am very happy today as this is the best physical gift anyone could give to meBARUCH HABA HASHEM ADONAI, BARUCH BEN YESHUA HAMASHIACH, BARUCH RUACH HAKODESH: KODESH-KODESH-KODESH!!! You cant win. Is this true? Thank you for nothing. We have suffered similar ailments. If you want to deal with burn pit issues the VA shouldnt limit their investigations to only SW Asia. Today I live with one lung because of my exposure to AGENT ORANGE. My dad served proudly and for only to receive nothing in return from the VA. No burial benefits, no flag, just nothing!!!!! I had such a bad case of PTSD starting in 1969, I spent 6 weeks in a Navy mental ward at Millington NAS. Then renal cancer which was not presumptive at the time. Im glad these benefits are being added. i was moving a 55 gallon drum of that stuff and it wasted all over my lower body and my supervisor told me to go take a long hot shower and bag all of my clothes and return them to him he would get me some new ones, never to tell me that it was harmful i went back out to the bombdump where i was temporary assigned and read the drums and saw it was herberside i filed and fielded for agent orange but was told not service connected now i have hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism alone with i had to have my prostate removed for i had prostate cancer. 2021, which came back approved on March 22, 2021.) It took another 4 years of privately paid care before the VA finally started helping out with SOME of the cost. What about bases here in the states that stored or disposed of barrels of Agent Orange, like Camp Pendleton? My husband had a buddy who died there in 68, and all I knew was his unit and first name. A spokeswoman for the Air Force said neither the author of the AFHRA memo nor anyone else was available for an interview. I have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. I guess we should be happy that we survived Nam but now we are paying for it 50 plus years later..good luck! What about those of us Vietnam era vets that served on stateside bases such as Ft Gordon ga? He was informed that they were currently without the manpower to review these claims. Our 29 year old son has CML Leukemia I believe from Agent Orange. Does the theater include Guam and other stockpile locations in the South Pacific? have hearing loss. Any others here? Maybe the mindset at the VA is to defer as long as possible and let time run out for a large number of us. Dipping our canteens in the rice paddies using our towel to filter out the lumps. As a 30 year retired United States Air Force Disabled Veteran, I have prayed for this day to come. The wheels of the VA grind extremely slow dont they. So, hes a pulmonary patient at that time, but only AFTER he is diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer that was also in his liver and other areas did he get 100% disability rating. March 3 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden on Friday recognized retired Army Col. Paris D. Davis with the Medal of Honor for his gallantry during a firefight in the Vietnam War in which he saved his fellow soldiers despite being injured. What about Camp Lejeune NC and the continued toxic water that continues today? Praying this morning for you and your family. The PPA has not been considered. 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. At 40, I already had two heart operations (outside the VA). All camp sites were heavily sprayed ,where our tents for our barracks and mess hall were placed. My dad served in Vietnam. He passed in April of 2019 due to complications from his surgery. Its easy. of the V.A. Veterans organizations have been fighting for this for years and it took an act of Congress to make it happen because the VA denied or ignored all scientific evidence. Hypertension should definitely be added,I got hypertension in my early 40s was in Vietnam 70to 71. The timeframe addition is discrimination within our own ranks and we dont do that. Named for the colored stripe painted on its barrels, Agent Orange best known for its widespread use by the U.S. military to clear vegetation during the Vietnam War is notorious for being. He deserves something for his suffering and death related to his exposure while in Korea! But not to veterans in Thailand at least, not yet. My neurosurgeon has been researching the neuropathy being caused by Agent Orange and he attests that it has only made matters worse with my neuropathy. Skinner acknowledges that he can get health care from the VA. To make an appointment call 920-448-4450 . Lack of a presumption of herbicide exposure does not prevent veterans from demonstrating through competent evidence that they were exposed to herbicidal agents and that such exposure is sufficiently related to a current disability to warrant disability compensation.. The military even put up signs advising us not to go outside when the agent was being sprayed. He did not receive any type of compensation. Most counties have at least one. Also have had severe sinusitis problems since serving in the Air Force. We filed a claim 2 years ago and recently received a denial. They treated us so well in Danville.. Comprehensive testing, detailed conversation and claims approved! ANY INFO or help would be appreciated. I sent in my biopsy showing prostate cancer and my Bronze Star commendation for service in country. I have applied twice, failed the breathing test and still been denied benefits, that were promised to me at discharge then taken away by a grateful government. Does this make me eligible for compensation? He is now 100% covered and we are seeing good results from the VA and their care for him. Hard of hearing!! Been diagnosed, had surgery with a lifetime of chemo and radiation. This AO affected my circulatory system (heart), lungs (everything hits my lungs first), and other issues starting in my early 30s. Also contact your federal congressional Rep. in Washington and inform his office of your issue. 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. If one of them matches the first name you have I can keep going. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI |, To cut costs, Amazon delays completion of second headquarters, closes retail stores. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently added three more presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism which has the potential to impact many Vietnam veterans who were exposed to the tactical herbicide. Call: 988 (Press 1), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420. March 3 (UPI) -- At a White House meeting on Friday, President Joe Biden thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for Germany's "profound" help in countering Russian aggression in Ukraine. I applied for Agent Orange disability, but the VA denied my claim. I have a Bladder condition for the last 21 years it was not cancer but I was at U-Tapao Thailand from Jan. 1975-March 1976? I looked up, followed and had much respect for older folks, especially veterans and the advice they have given me. Vietnam 69 and 70. Needle in a haystack. There is no mention of Thailand, Cambodia nor Laos Vets. Army and was later diagnosed with Diabetes, hearing loss, Parkinsons and other health conditions and according to one doctor at the VA he was exposed to Agent Orange. 2. My dad died on my 57 birthday. Still no answer. Cant find any records of Decontamination of Aircraft but i was in close contact, Launching, Recovering & Securing these helos after either IN COUNTRY or SHORE RESCUES. I filed a claim with VA and was turned down. The one we had before was worthless! Problem is I am the sole surviver. the VA has its own math to figure how disabled you are on each disease. Why not better support vets than pay people to not look for or accept job offers. Parkinsons Disease i get the burn pits for these folks 100% 2/9th Marines were station at Pohang Korea training with the ROK Marines August 1975 for 30 days we had burn pits also we stood guard no more than 20 away with black smoke in the air debris burning and going on your utilities plastics/human waste/metal/unspent rds u guarded for hrs our hooches were only 100 away and u got the smoke as u slept also why are these not considered burn pits is it to let the older Marines die off so u go with the younger Marines first and these younger Marines sure deserve all they get but like agent orange with the 3 new aliments all these years later let the folks die first then include us why is the va not including all of us big black billows of smoke u sniff in when u stood guard/slept but for some odd ass reason we are not included peace. I WAS AT THE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDS AS A TEST VETERAN AND WAS PROMISED MEDICAL CARE IF ANY THING WENT WRONG. Nobody in my family, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nor their children, has what I have. My daughter lived for a month & 7 days. I served in Vietnam as A combat engineer 1968 and 69. His last 20 years were torture for him though he fought like a warrior. In early 2012 he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, liver cancer and it was in his bones also. Or is it 500 feet? He suffered pneumonia in January 2012 and was hospitalized for nearly 2 weeks, part of that in ICU. 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. VA presumes (assumes) exposure to Agent Orange for Veterans who served on any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailandfrom January 9, 1962, throughJune 30, 1976. Hey, they can keep it and put it you know where. They are deservedly receiving help for diseases as a result of the exposure. I have hyperthyroidism from agent orange. Skinner said the denial was frustrating. When my husband died in 2010, he couldnt even find the paperwork to apply for a grave marker. They will help you with your compensation claim. 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. Never! But somebody reviewed my application almost immediately (a good thing and to be commended) and determined that the request could proceed. A solution by Congress may be the best approach, some attorneys and veterans advocates say. 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. No face covering, My husband with Parkinsons worked in torpedo shop in Hawaii cleaning torpedoes with a degreaser for 3 years plus worked on blue water ship for 8 months while it was dry docked, cleaning equipment and cleaning spilled herbicide in bottom of aircraft elevator and on the ships deck. Horrible, I was on the DMZ June 1969 for four months. a veterans office where they are located. Not enough die yet? THAILAND & AGENT ORANGE: Agent Orange & Other Herbicides: Resources "Vietnam-era Veterans whose service involved duty on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits."--quoted from the VA website: . They have over 600 pages of medical records for the multitudes of surgeries, treatments, lab work, and final radical cystoprostatectomy 2018. thanks Fred Carlberg, Contact the BLUE WATER NAVY ORGANIZATION they have access to ships logs and can confirm if the Kearsarge was in territorial waters at anytime. Be Well, Steve. I have heard that it was used in Korea DMZ area until 1972.I know agent orange was used in Vietnam until 1975, so this makes me think the military would continue use in Korea also. My late husband was. Trying to add timeframes is like saying one person can have same contamination but we dont care because it was before a war period. What a VA. as a fully developed claim if you can do that, they process those first. So besides having survived Vietnam, there was Aniston. My father died from cancer from Agent Orange colon cancer the VA denied it . Do I need to have my VSO file a claim or does the fact that I had it when I had my Agent Orange exam suffice? 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. While I am here I am 100 % pt, I am lucky I guess it took only 8 months for my receiving He was recently diagnosed with Parkinsonism. They said in May 2012 they declared 100% disabled with the cancer. How about those of us that served in Okinawa and were exposed to AO on the boats that were sent from Vietnam for repairs? How many Vietnam Veterans suffer from skin cancer? "In the United States, we take care of our fellow Americans who have been harmed in the course of their military service. I was also told that because I was able to raise my extremely arthritic arms over my head that I should be fortunate that the VA doesnt take away my disability benefits altogether. He had only 2 children, my brother and I. The VA is merely following whats in the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Public Law when handing down ratings decisions. All from Agent Orange. Please switch auto forms mode to off. Having grown up in Kansas I wish you good luck. It took 5 years before I got anything from the VA. It is not a hereditary cancer. Prostate Cancer You can file online or thru the mail (https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/). Together WE can connect veterans with their benefits by sharing this information. McDonough (Agent Orange exposure in Thailand) This case involved a US Army veteran (1967 to 1971) who was seeking service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, Type II diabetes, stroke, and atrial fibrillation due to agent orange exposure in Thailand during the Vietnam war. so even severe asthma and many other issues, where do we go . After 2 and years of much pain and suffering he died December 21 2020. I am proud to join Rep. Cartwright in introducing legislation that will ensure our Vietnam War veterans who served in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia receive the care they deserve now, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to work across the aisle to support these men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country," Fitzpatrick said in a statement. I am now 67, unable to work and already living in an old age living facility. I was a combat Marine Vietnam 68-69. Very same happened to me. He also suggested contacting political representatives to get them to work with you. Doctor told me heart ( VA has me on meds, surgery in 2002) not in AO conditions. Aside thought it would go away as it did some times at night after battle .talk to me V A . Asking them to do claims involving Chemical contamination is like asking a Janitor to build the space shuttle, and everyone knows it, but the games and waste of tax payer dollars continue as VA is a self run Government entity that can use logic to make decisions only assimilate like the Borg. VA took a leg from him before he died of AO related illnesses related to his time on Guam. I am now having all kinds of health/medical problems. has never reviewed my case as of June 2021. visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for more resources. My dad died March 6 2021 of non-hodgkin lymphoma, he was a Marine in Camp Leguene 1963&64. Who knows what else. During this rather dismal 14 month period I often wondered why so much red tape when the facts were undeniably evident (at least to me!) Be well, Bobby. We get no information about others who have, or had, this incurable disease. One Veteran is same as the next, if they were contaminated and prove it, they should get help. He said he worked in areas close to base fencelines and perimeters, sometimes chaining down jets to run the engines, which would actually kick up dust and dirt everywhere around the aircraft.. 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. I didnt realize I could or should. Please reapply! I now have Parkinsons, off course VA denied my claim . Check in with the VFW or American Legion and they can guide you thru the process. Thanks. He was rated 100%. Bustamante, who served in the Marines with my husband stateside during the VietNam years. I have several of the diseases mentioned due to exposure, The V.A. Felton Charles Barnes, what about exposure to mad cow disease? When I applied I was surprised and impressed that a reviewer responded with some questions within days and I provided some more documentation. Then was told, it was not caused by agent orange by the V A Doctor at Seattle. It only affects less than 1% of the population. The review board keeps telling me this every time I refile after a new presumptive condition gets named, all five of them as of this writing. Having any of these conditions is not fun and thanking us for our service doesnt help much. Currently, the following conditions are presumed to be caused by Agent Orange and will receive presumptive service connection for qualifying veterans stationed in Thailand: AL Amyloidosis Chronic B-cell Leukemias Chloracne Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Hodgkin's Disease Ischemic Heart Disease Multiple Myeloma Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Parkinson's Disease I do believe that those who RUN / ruin the VA truly dont care and are pencil pushers who are only there for that government paycheck. I believe I might get something after I am dead. Nov 4, 2021 The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program Mission Partner Awards 2021; October 2021 Oct 29, 2021 . My husband, Tom Spinks died of Parkinsons Disease so I was reading about this and thought this may be a place to find Robert. It seems that most veterans who submit paperwork will get denied the first time regardless of their condition or supporting evidence. Army. This toxic exposure was preventable. Any help appreciated. This is from a person who has zero family history of hypothyroidism. We lived on McClellan from about April to August 1969, so not too long, but he served there after Vietnam. Without their help I doubt that it can be done!! In one case, at Gulfport, Mississippi, new information received from a Veteran led to changes for that site on the list. It is most likely from agent orange. A VSO may be able to do something, but dont hold your breath. He was 32 years old when he died and left me with our two children, Colleen, 4 1/2 and John, 15 months old. 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!!!