Learn more about benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. You cant win. 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. If these conditions are presumptively associated with exposure to Agent Orange, why does the VA take forever to settle claims? My husband had a buddy who died there in 68, and all I knew was his unit and first name. Bob has been fighting this letter since it came out, Skinner said. Agent Orange was the reason. He died of lung cancer and I was told after he died I could no longer proceed with our request. When will they get enough competent case reviewers to catch up on all Agent Orange Disability claims.?? That will make U.S. military veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange eligible for the VA's disability compensation benefits. Are you, or someone you know, struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder? The PPA has not been considered. I served in Thailand at Uteipio AFB in 1972-1973. My husband died of stomach cancer, had hashimotos disease etc. The Young man handling Agent Orange claims referred me to my own civilian doctor and even paid for the visit. A VSO will get you Filed a claim in 2018 was denied. Poway, Calif. attorney Amanda Mineer recalled working on one case in which she and her team had to introduce into evidence a photo of a sailor taking a photographic selfie of himself on a ship as that ship crossed the equator, with barrels of Agent Orange nearby, visible in the photo. I finally was able to get into and fill out the burn pit registry about a year ago. Thank you. My service record should have been proof enough. Mary L. Unfortunately you only had one year to continue his claim. Doctors say I have many ailments from AO exposure. I need help! When he was diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 lung cancer, all of a sudden the VA got charitable and rated him 100%, which did a helluva lot of good for him and for me as a survivor 5 damn months. My husband served 68-69 in country. Put in claim many years ago when bladder cancer became presumptive. They deserve quick adjudication for their claim and we cannot put the burden on the veterans who served their country.. 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? I was stationed at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River for 5 years in the early and mid 80s. Lesion removed from Biden's chest was common form of skin cancer, doctor says. I have an idea of how to get started. I am so glad they have finally recognized bladder cancer as a result of agent orange. Im a diabetic, I have high blood pressure. article ul li { list-style: disc; padding: 5px 0; } https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp. Lets see what the VA does for me and others .For some reason they only admit Lejeune. 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. I dont think anyone in VA cares. Horrible, I was on the DMZ June 1969 for four months. Attention A T users. your claim. Los Alamitos and ElToro. We die as you ignore. I remember that I often awakened in my BOQ (the Idaho) to almost choking smells of burning garbage. VA will begin implementing provisions of the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283), adding three conditions to the list of those presumptively associated with exposure to herbicide agents, more commonly known as Agent Orange. Updated . Im currently suffering neurological problems, at first diagnosed as Parkinsons and later as an undiagnosed Parkinson-like syndrome. VA Mantra, Deny, Deny, Deny Until The Veteran Dies. Just how much can one family take we keep dieing!!! As some Thailand veterans see it, the VA places an undue burden of proof on them to demonstrate they were harmed by Agent Orange, in some cases asking for photographs or other evidence of physical proximity to harmful herbicides. I wish I live near you so we help each other out to ease the stress! What if your father has already died? These include: Many of 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. My self I got a bloody nose and sore throat. It seems we are not getting any help from the very people whose jobs it is to help us. You are eligible. God bless you!!! Hey, they can keep it and put it you know where. 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. Together, we must take action to save lives. I have had stage four prostate cancer which I have survived. Was on duty there when Hurricane Camille hit Gulfport, MS and was deployed down there for rescue and recovery. I too am having issues obtaining benefits for my husband who served in Vietnam. If your husband died from any of the diseases under agent orange and it is listed as the cause of death on his death certificate, the VA rep can access and reopen his filed claim and you should be eligible for a DIC special pension. VA doctors told my husband to apply for disability for Agent Orange which was supposed to be automatic if you served in certain areas, including Thailand, where it was sprayed around base perimeters, where everyone walked. 6 (a) IN GENERAL.Section 1116 of title 38, United 7 States Code, is amended 8 (1) by striking '', during active military, naval, did you read the article? Wes, He had only 2 children, my brother and I. I recently had spinal surgery and it has caused my neuropathy to greatly worsen. Ive been living with severe motor skill losshad to relearn how to walk and need to keep working even though Im in my seventies and need to hide my tremors and speech difficulties for fear of losing my job. The base I was assigned to refueled C-130s with Agent Orange and it was used to control our foliage. I served in Viet Nam Nov 70 -Nov 71, at Anloc VN and was diagnosed in 2010 with hypothyroidism. Expletive like her should not work for the Veterans Adim.I almost called the veterans hot line I was so depressed.I want to open up my claim again.Help me please. Keep fighting my brothers an sisters. Respiratory Cancers, including Lung Cancer My husband had several of those illnesses, but VA kept loosing only the real important documentation and then even went as far as wanting daily records. Always wondered if the bullet in his leg had something to do with developing cancer. I was around agent orange. What about soldiers that were made to take the PB pill to inoculate us from nerve agents during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I have just about giving up on them. We all suffered mentally and physically and are still suffering. USMC, 67-71. Vietnam 66,67 and 68. Good luck and thank you for your service! Good luck everyone getting what you deserve. 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!!! I had such a bad case of PTSD starting in 1969, I spent 6 weeks in a Navy mental ward at Millington NAS. These things added by VA are a joke unless examiners just listen and note. You were boots on ground during the required times. 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. Would like to see something about the Ft. McClellan toxic exposure..Ive got hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, nepherotic syndrome, migraines. This is from a person who has zero family history of hypothyroidism. My husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer 3 years ago. My father served in the Korean War with the 25th Infantry Division. Politicians carry responsibility also. We lived on McClellan from about April to August 1969, so not too long, but he served there after Vietnam. When will VA notify those who have previously filed a claim years ago for Hypothyroidism? The one we had before was worthless! How about the contaminated waters in Fort Dix, Neither were they included in new Middle East veteran benefits until less than a year ago. My father battled a round of prostate cancer and 10 years later Leukemia which is what killed him Both caused by agent orange. Shannon Brewer, Senior Attorney Updated: August 12, 2013. I have no family history of Diabetes, Polycythemia Vera or Carcinoid Cancer, so I think the VA is wrong. The examiner at the ba denied my application for the 10 percent increase of my benefits because she said i should have gone to a doctor in the battle field. This mysterious delay is not helping. Offspring of AO exposed veterans often get tumors. Multiple Myeloma If so get in touch with your local VSO officer and get them to help. Curious about soldiers that worked on jets, etc. Skinner acknowledges that he can get health care from the VA. Its shameful how they have forgotten us. Rob Portman is listed as a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 657, which would modify the presumption of a service connection for veterans who were exposed to herbicides while serving in Thailand. This should be examined by the V.A. The representative we now have is efficient and helpful. The va gives you meds but dont wont to give benefits.Our svo where I live dont even wont to talk to you.I tried to get him to make copies of . He loved his job. Now , wondering if i am incorrect?? And I wanted to try to talk to him, Ellen Spinks. I did all of a My dad also served in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange and I have a genetic mutation or defect that showed up in the chromosome tests called Ankylosing Sponylitis. We were in the field living in tents during phase line papa. If you are a Veteran in crisis I was in Vietnam during the year 1970. He loved the Army. Sinus surgery in 1999, again she said no go. He has a number of health issues. They should be able to assist you with getting your claim submitted. 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. I am not a diabetic which seems to be one of the main items that is considered for VA benefits. Still no answer. On Thursday, Pennsylvania Reps. Matt Cartwright (D) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R) introduced new legislation to expand the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange for disability benefits to. So, good luck to any of you still living and fighting. Im an ex-Marine who was stationed at Camp LeJeune (and Camp Geiger) for a total of seven months in 1972. My sense is these bills have a chance, but I just dont know how good a chance, attorney Chisholm said. We have suffered similar ailments. I didnt realize I could or should. The bill was last referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in June. Im his daughter I was born in 1964 and I have Parkinsons and dystonia and other nurogical problems, and a brain DBS implant, all because of Dystonia, these diseases do not run in either side of my familys. 100 percent service connected. One Veteran is same as the next, if they were contaminated and prove it, they should get help. It is sad that the govt does this. My daughter was born with autism. (Even though he had rectal cancer and now has a colostomy.) Nam Infantry grunt. Maybe the mindset at the VA is to defer as long as possible and let time run out for a large number of us. Also, Lung cancer has been a recognized Agent Orange presumptive disease for more than 20 years. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2010. I served there in 1975-76 and returned in 1988 and stayed until retirement in 1992. I assume you served in Vietnam, You need to have them check you for Parkinsons disease. im sure he falls in this category relating to his death. VA took a leg from him before he died of AO related illnesses related to his time on Guam. I have hyperthyroidism from agent orange. Youll need prove you served in Vietnam (DD-214 should do it) and prove of your medical condition (doctors letters, etc). I returned to the VA about a year ago after many of my friends urged me to do so. My loved one is in hospice at this moment any time hes going to be restored to the kingdom of God. Its about time! I had a 5 year break in service and decided to go back in as an aviator on C-130s. 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 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. Add high blood pressure to the list of presumptives. You get a whole 10% for it! Hey Angel, Im in the same boat Vietnam 68-69.. 50% disability for same disabilities. We have learned to never trust our government. My father served in the U .S. Big news from Iceland Feb. 2021 in the amount of lead in the base, NASKEF, drinking water in the late 90s. He worked with the top secret nuclear weapons his whole career! I have heard nothing since. How do I find out about agent orange being used in Korea up by the DMZ during 1973 and 1974. to leave the ship and make his way home to his wife and daughter. Will you please provide me with the mans first name and the other information you have about him. This check was blood tests and 20 minutes with the Doctor who was more interested in possible PSTD than anything. I know he was in Khe Sahn and went on to the DMZ by the time he got out of Nam. My 1st duty station was Task Force Delta as is shown in my records. "In the United States, we take care of our fellow Americans who have been harmed in the course of their military service. I filed in 1980 at the age of 31 for esophageal cancer due to exposure to Agent Orange. Last his sight basically overnight when the inflammation hit the optic nerve. The burn pits too were gross also! My husband served three tours in Vietnam and died a horrible death seven years ago of four of the diseases named. Sen. I would love to find others that new him. As I read story after story. I was around that Agent Orange. The administration has known for years agent orange was killing VN vets. Roy, go to the nearest Disabled American Veterans office and ask them for assistance. Attention A T users. Good luck and God bless you all. A spokeswoman for the Air Force said neither the author of the AFHRA memo nor anyone else was available for an interview. AMIEN UND AMIEN! All of my skin peeled off but no body was interested in my problems. My own was agent orange exposure which the VA acknowledges, yet say has nothing to do with my tremors, and they tell ME to prove it does. I will continue the fight to get benefits for all veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals regardless of where they served.. Unfortunately we didnt learn anything with the AO exposure. While bombs and loud guns firing every were. Then about 2015 he started having issues with falling and passing out. It should be no different in the case of the Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange," Cartwright said in the same statement. Signed no respect. One place my brother was stationed was Dong Ha. 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. I refuse to die just to piss them off! My daughter had to have her thyroids removed when she was a young teenager. If you would like my help just let me know. Good luck!! What about me!!! I hope that for those who have struggled with financial burdens that help i The burn pits were operating no matter which way the wind was blowing. 1968-70, then back on Okinawa 1970-72. I would go up north to snorkel and fish during my time off. Is anyone else aware of this. I also acquired Grovers Disease (a rare skin disorder, where the glue dissolves around your skin cells). He served during Vietnam war. He retired after 24 years of service in the Marines while serving he developed a heart condition that required a triple bypass he also suffered from PTSD, Rash to his back, feet, and legs he also developed asthma, and lung cancer from agent orange and smoking cigarettes of which was given to him his first day of reporting to camp they were included with his gear before that he never smoked. Already at 90% due to Agent Orange related exposure. My husband had Guillain Barre Syndrome for 3 1/2 yrs & never came home he was in different hospitals the whole 3 1/3 yrs & his liver took the best of him. Agent Orange. 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. I received a letter from the VA today asking me to reach out they are liking for his next of Kin. Never heard from VA regarding my case. He passed away July 2012. Plus i didnt know i had all tha hissing noises rushing air noises till i got out of service. Youre absolutely correct. 3. She doesnt know war battles,,you just cant stop. I have had nightmares about the smell of shlt. Three tours in Vietnam, all on the DMZ, two brown water, one blue water. I have his claims on file in my home. I have had no status updates since Congressman Doug Lamalfa of California made an inquiry. Hi Ted, I run a project called Operation Triumphus and have helped point some veterans in the right direction regarding this issue. I applied for Agent Orange disability, but the VA denied my claim. The VA hasnt even approved private therapy to assist me with my exceedingly difficult situation. Go to nearest VA facility and get registered with VA Health, find a VSO and he/she will fill out the necessary papers for you. Were old news to them, Skinner said of the VA. Arnie Harmon, a Columbus-area veteran who served in Thailand, filed for compensation or a monthly stipend some 15 years ago at the urging of one of his physicians. Please help us! When will his cases be reopened and his wife notified? Iraq war vets facing similar problems with VA that Vietnam vets had to put up with.. Whats new?. Im not sure if the new presumptive condition hypothyroidism is any different. Can I file a claim now. Markers after three years are good thank goodness. I dont know if they will ever wake up and do the right thing for us. Im not convinced the toxic exposure will ever be gone. Parkinsons Disease, Diabetes and Ischemic Coronary Heart Disease are presumptive conditions of Agent Orange exposure. I inquired to my VA service rep. and he related to me that All decisions are on hold for Bladder Cancer claims until the VA develops final guidance on how to proceed with these claims. 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. I hope this isnt a Hurry up and wait. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 I could go on and on. Sudden come down with Hypothyroidism -Hashimotos version With leaky gut! We feel your pain, we also got no benefits for a funeral when my father in law died from Agent Orange. This in my opinion is a major problem. As a result, I was not affected by the many things agent Orange and the poison water from Lejuene contributed to my health. I was stationed in Korat Thailand 72-73 and lived outside the west gate which is in the red zone ( cleared by AO ).