Camp Lejune , 6 months of 71. In 2016 with the help of an attorney, was finally approved for Ischemic Heart Disease but only has a 60% disability rate. 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. Why has this taken so long to review?? Never! I live in New York. My father served in the Korean War with the 25th Infantry Division. 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. What is going to be done for families that have already loss loved ones prior to this ruling? A VSO may be able to do something, but dont hold your breath. 5/60, 3/60. I know that they do help some veterans, but if they can lie out of helping, they will. The base I was assigned to refueled C-130s with Agent Orange and it was used to control our foliage. WHY ?? I had such a bad case of PTSD starting in 1969, I spent 6 weeks in a Navy mental ward at Millington NAS. THANKS FOR POSTING THIS FOR THE VETERNS IN NEED OF HELP. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs mandates that veterans who served in southeast Asian countries other than Vietnam during the war provide evidence of exposure to the herbicide in order to qualify for benefits. I served in Vietnam as A combat engineer 1968 and 69. I served in Desert Storm and continued serving in SWA on and off for another14 years with my last mission in 2004. Be Well, Steve. Thats our job., Its still essentially a case-by-case basis, Chisholm said. Sorry, but I dont have the time or ability to bear the burden of responsibility when it comes to proving this issue. 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. Bien Phouc. Charles, Dennis, Edward, Elliott, Gary, Harold, James, Jeppie, Jerry, John (3), Joseph, Patrick, Paul, Robert (2), Roy, Steve, Terry, Thomas & Willy. Its AO, and also particulate matter exposure in SWA.]. Some are just collecting a paycheck. Some Veterans pay all at once while others pay over a lifetime. V.A. In fact my brother in law had to wait on the ship until well after dark, like a sneak thief, I thought one of the most iconic scenes in the movie Platoon had in the background mamma sans stirring something in cut in half 55 gallon drums and burning it. Ive got my fingers crossed. Dont give up. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) are renewing their bipartisan effort to support veterans who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War-era by allowing them the opportunity to prove toxic exposure in order to qualify for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Charles McDivett. Being exposed just doesnt stop with the military member. through the red tape. So besides having survived Vietnam, there was Aniston. I served in Vietnam in Long Binh and Saigon area from Nov 1966 thru Oct 1967 in the Army and had Agent Orange sprayed me many times. He deserves something for his suffering and death related to his exposure while in Korea! Bob was trying to get that letter rescinded at the time he died.. They deserve relief for the pain and hardship this has caused for them and their families.". Im 75 and i am sick and tired of being lied too. About 10 years ago I filed with the VA and brought my medical records from my own doctors. What about soldiers that did not serve in the Republic of China but was assigned to combat engineer units that were in Vietnam, and brought back equipment used in the jungles of Vietnam, exposing soldiers to that equipment whom started experience such problems as boils and other unusual respiratory problems in early to mid 70s. The area that I lived in was with the Philippians off base in a jungle area, which was sprayed with a chemical to control the growth of the jungle out side of our barracks. My father was in Vietnam this same period he died 25 years ago from Pancreatic Cancer. https://www.nacvso.org/find_service_officers/category-865ca542-2c72-4d1a-adac-56061f573562.aspx. You may not have standing to file for benefits. Would like to see something about the Ft. McClellan toxic exposure..Ive got hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, nepherotic syndrome, migraines. I submitted my claim in 2008 after being called to the VAMC to be placed on the registry. Maybe Ill still be alive! But he sought (and seeks) compensation for pain and suffering. I also inquired about a dental cleaning which I have been getting off campus. I have also had half my stomach and 8 inches small intestine removed for Carcinoid Cancer, VA says it was not caused by AO. He passed away In 1994 from Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Fortunately, I finally learned that the best way to deal with PTSD was to have a vigorous workout every day! She could very well be eligible for benefits. In 2017, he was no longer able to communicate and was unable to control his bowel movements. I do get benefits for my hearing but still have issues with my shaking . I am so glad they have finally recognized bladder cancer as a result of agent orange. All camp sites were heavily sprayed ,where our tents for our barracks and mess hall were placed. 45 years to get in the VA! 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. I am not judging your entitlement or claim validity. Plus, he also served in Desert Storm and has his own set of problems from that :-( Good luck EVER getting the government to admit anything close to causative exposure. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) are renewing their bipartisan effort to support veterans who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War-era by . Vietnam War-era veterans who served in Thailand say theyre still fighting. 3. A few months later, they removed my thyroid. Is he bragging about complying with the law? Lived for basically 5 months. I was stationed in Korat Thailand 72-73 and lived outside the west gate which is in the red zone ( cleared by AO ). was a really horrible person who even after hearing of the resolution of the multi year court case by USN Veterans who had previously been denied because of only being offshore and not in the country of Vietnam called The Bluewater Sailors Act he Wilke said I am Not Going To Do It as It Will Cost Too Much Money The V.A. 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. This is from a person who has zero family history of hypothyroidism. I applied for Agent Orange disability, but the VA denied my claim. Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Text to 838255 to Get Help NOW . Im fully compensated, tax free, and have free medical. Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Sinus surgery in 1999, again she said no go. My dad served in Vietnam. I have sinus problem that I never had before being exposed. The letter acknowledges that I have the conditions, but states that my service is not believed to be the cause. Over two years in one place. Following the passing of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, there are now three new conditions on the Agent Orange presumptive list. AL Amyloidosis I served three tours from 1967 to 1972, mostly in Thailand. Dont give up! He died of Acute On Chronic Respiratory Failure. Last I knew Vietnam was in Southeast NOT Southwest What about the men who served aboard ships with asbestos Every day is a challenge: financially, physically, and emotionally. Learn more about benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. VA will apply the provisions of court orders related to Nehmer v. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which may result in an earlier date for entitlement to benefits for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This condition, nor the degenerative joint disease I am dealing with, is covered as presumptive by the VA for the Camp Lejeune water contamination affected veterans. Im diabetic, have had two heart attacks, bladder cancer, and numerous other afflictions. Used bales of rags to clean it up. This is great news and I am happy to see leadership at the VA leading the way on behalf of the vets who are yet to receive the benefits due them. Ill ask for the unit your husband was in and during what time period. Every vet who was there deserves aid. So highly unlikely wed both have it. Hi, sorry to hear about everyone having issues getting benefits for thier loved ones. Contact a VSO at VA.GOV. He was assigned to the 14th Engr Combat Battalion attached to the 1st Cav airmobile division. The name Robert Bustamante appears in several states. As a 30 year retired United States Air Force Disabled Veteran, I have prayed for this day to come. "Many of those who have been exposed are living with cancers, heart disease or Parkinson's disease. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? Politicians carry responsibility also. Skinner, who has fought prostate cancer since 2018, has gone through 44 treatments of radiation therapy. Please reapply! Three tours in Vietnam, all on the DMZ, two brown water, one blue water. Right!!!!! I have had sinus surgery and have to use inhalers to breath. 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. Never hear much about this treatment and the affect it had. Gave me shock treatments and sent me on my way. 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. Now my question is, how do I file another appeal, and add these issues to my claim? The VAs response to this claim was if it were a female that was serving in Vietnam would be a different story! Oral, lung, esophagus, colon, prostrate, blood but not the stomach? You say that it is proven those chemicals cause various diseases including Scleroderma Where can I find such VA information mentioning that specific, rare autoimmune disease. When I tried to claim hearing loss from jet noise, I was told I was 1 decibel from being deaf in both ears but DENIED. va sent me on a disk.Hell he wouldnt even do that to help you . 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. I am a bladder cancer survivor (early detection). Former U.S. serviceman sentenced to 45 years for planning attack on fellow soldiers. Im grateful for the be befits our service members now receive as my husband a twenty year retired war veteran does, but these Vietnam Veterans suffered through decades up against the brick wall that was the old VA. The only reason not to add it is the cost. My dad was poisoned by AO during the war doing decon of planes from Vietnam. I filed a claim with VA and was turned down. I was diagnosed with PPA. I was around agent orange. In one case, at Gulfport, Mississippi, new information received from a Veteran led to changes for that site on the list. I was in Khe Shan during Tet Offensive during 1967-68 and was sprayed continuously as the government tried to clear vegetation. 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. Each generation poisoned the one after them with Chemicals they used on our bases. And I wanted to try to talk to him, Ellen Spinks. I served in the 49th TAC Fighter Wing and got out in late 1974 after breathing jet exhaust on the flight line for almost a year. I have had experiences with the VA similar to yours. I know Im not alone. Where is the bottleneck and why is it there? He was 32 years old when he died and left me with our two children, Colleen, 4 1/2 and John, 15 months old. If you did not file a claim in 2010, you need to file a claim for disability benefits. Mekong Delta. These conditions include: Bladder Cancer Hypothyroidism : A condition occurs when the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones I dont know dates ir anything and sadly my mother passed a few months back and I have no other family to ask. My husband was a Vietnam vet. Last his sight basically overnight when the inflammation hit the optic nerve. When I put in a claim for the Agent Orange ( had a daughter that nearly died from a heart condition and a son 3 years later died of heart complications) were totally denied! I have only 50% due to diabetes and diabetic neuropathic . Its a shame how they treated him once he got sick. Four years later, it gets approved and I file my claim on 1 March.. Heart breaking, hard to think about God bless all, Im just giving up. In Thailand, Agent Orange was used to clear the jungle around bases, as a means to enhance security. My claim for benefits for Agent Orange related Prostate cancer was approved in 2017. They go hand in hand but the government doesnt recognize all the years my husband had dementia. Our 29 year old son was just diagnosed with CML Leukemia. The airplanes flew over and sprayed us without warning, Ive complained for years with no results. He applied twice for benefits and denied. But somebody reviewed my application almost immediately (a good thing and to be commended) and determined that the request could proceed. Visit USA.gov, This will take you to the MyHealtheVet website, This will take you to the Suicide Prevention website, This will take you to the VA Find a Form page, This will take you to the VA Publications page, BREAKING: VA plans expansion of benefits for disability claims for conditions related to certain toxic exposures, William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, Nehmer v. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures Public Health, https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/, https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp, Therapy staff arranges concert ticket for stroke victim, VA releases dashboard to measure the PACT Acts impact on Veterans and survivors, Emergence delirium: Potentially dangerous condition when a patient awakens from a procedure, Call TTY if you You submit a claim, Harmon said. Iserved during the v nam war. You sound very much like my 51 yr old son. What if your parent submitted a claim for a type of cancer that was only from exposure to agent orange, but passed away shortly after submitting the claim and received a letter stating that the claim was being looked into; does that have any validity to it? Some have won on appeal.. Id be contacting your advocate asap and get your claim going! He had a friend who was killed in 68 that was the only one he ever spoke of, and it traumatized him for life. I also am a cancer survivor. Ten have them Submit another claim for you. most va employees NEVER served in the military !!! Does anyone know if Agent Orange was used during the Korean War? I am so glad bladder cancer will be added to the list. 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. Would be taken on my claim. He is now 100% covered and we are seeing good results from the VA and their care for him. Sounds as tho EVERYTHING is denied!! Then the following week I get a letter saying I missed my appt. They knew in advance the water was contaminated and allowed us to drink it, bathe in it, swim, buffaloes it and even transport it on ships headed out to Mediterranean. I was in Nam 18 months, 29 April 68 to 7 Dec 69, I have Diabetes 2, receiving 30 % compensation for AO induced Diabetes 2. Were they ever exposed to AO? Already at 90% due to Agent Orange related exposure. He was shot in the leg by the Japanese. He died of lung cancer and I was told after he died I could no longer proceed with our request. Exactly,JP fuel, chromate & benzodiazepines as well! 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: . It should be no different in the case of the Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange," Cartwright said in the same statement. I have been hearing stories of other children coming down with CML of exposed Vietnam Vets. We would appreciate any help with the claim as it would cost 4,000 a month which we could not afford but one month. Thanks for helping the lady above. Its not a burden shared by veterans who served in Vietnam or in the Navy. I am a combat vet and 100% rated and served 38 years, but priorities are better at Medi Cal. The AFHRA memo said that although use of commercial herbicides is documented, the Air Force archivists found no mention of the transportation, payment for or use of any tactical herbicide to control vegetation on Air Force installations in Thailand. Get 4 of 6 problems. All we were tuned too was Search and Destroying the enemy! The PPA has not been considered. VA announced today two major decisions related to presumptive conditions associated with Agent Orange and particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia.