Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions

[ChiefJohn]

Late last year, the VA added to the "presumptive diseases" related to Agent Orange exposure. The illnesses affected by the recent decision were B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson’s disease; and ischemic heart disease. Recommend all veterans exposed to Agent Orange carefully follow the (proposed) April 2010 release of disability rating schedules for these new conditions. In addition, retirees may qualify for additional benefits under the "Combat Related Special Compensation Program".

I believe each of us should take it upon ourselves to ensure our fellow veterans are aware of their benefits, as many of our Vietnam brothers have not pursued their VA medical benefits. IMO, our military veterans have earned every dollar of any VA compensation -- more so than some folks sitting around on their butts and milking the government for $$$$$.

[MonacoMama]

Thank You for sharing the Agent Orange info, Chief. It is very important information that many VN Vets may not know about

[tncruiser]

that is good info Chief
thanks
brianj/tncruiser

[desertrv]

I am already doing the paperwork. I have a zipper in my chest, been opened 3 times. I know I was exposed to agent orange. First time was when I was 46. I am now almost 62. I do well in the $ area, but when I am no longer here, and the Sweetie out lives me, I want her taken care of.

[MSgt]

How does one start the process of filing a claim?

[powerboatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSgt How does one start the process of filing a claim?

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
follow the claims links

and Disabled American Veterans
join if you haven't and they to can guide you

[ChiefJohn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSgt How does one start the process of filing a claim?

Brother, please don't delay any longer in filing your claim. We earned these benefits many veterans do not avail themselves of the medical and/or financial assistance offered from the VA or service branches. You've 'been there and done that', unlike many parasites that prey upon our government.

[Elkhartjim]

This is ironic. I'm parked at beautiful cg on the beach in Freeport, TX. I can see from my window the towers at Dow Chemical where that nasty stuff was manufactured back in the 60's. I recall making sales calls back then at this plant and never was told why all the secrecy and security surrounded this plant until years later.

I have a very good friend that is the only survivor from his unit that was exposed to agent orange.
I'm truly sorry that our men were exposed and for such a senseless reason. I thank you for your service and pray for good health and a long life.

[tncruiser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elkhartjim This is ironic. I'm parked at beautiful cg on the beach in Freeport, TX. I can see from my window the towers at Dow Chemical where that nasty stuff was manufactured back in the 60's. I recall making sales calls back then at this plant and never was told why all the secrecy and security surrounded this plant until years later. I have a very good friend that is the only survivor from his unit that was exposed to agent orange. I'm truly sorry that our men were exposed and for such a senseless reason. I thank you for your service and pray for good health and a long life.

thank you for your concern but my attitude as an agent orange disabled vet is it also offered a layer of protection from the vc for that im thankful
2 vn tour vet
brianj

[ChiefJohn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tncruiser thank you for your concern but my attitude as an agent orange disabled vet is it also offered a layer of protection from the vc for that im thankful 2 vn tour vet brianj

That it did brother, but at what cost and for how many generations to come. We were young and ignorant, taught to follow orders and not ask questions of our superiors, who were (for the most part) as ignorant as we were about the 'weed killer'.

[stegosaurus]

What still bothers me is that Navy veterans who were exposed to it on a ship do not qualify as "presumptive". I was an electrician's mate on a carrier USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31, and worked on the bomb elevators that transported the drums of agent orange up to the flight deck. We were ankle deep in it in the elevator well and had it dripping on our heads. We usually only able to shower during "shower hours" when they water was turned on. That meant going a couple of days without a shower. Despite this, we aren't able to qualify as presumed to be exposed. In order to qualify, I have to somehow show that I worked on the gear while agent orange was being sprayed by planes from our ship. There are no records that were kept showing this.

I have 18 month Vietnam,service on my records and ischemic heart disease. After a 4 year fight, they finally gave me VA disability because of asbestos damage and a back injury from a plane crash while on active duty. They just weren't willing to admit to agent orange damage. (Ironically, I worked for Dow in the pharmaceutical division as an IT Systems Manager for 10 years until we were sold to another company.)

There were 2 guys that I worked with that had almost every symptom listed in the agent orange when they died but were never awarded disability.

Sorry about the rant, but if that useless group known as "Congress" would get off there butt and change the requirements those guy's families would be eligible.

[Det-Chief]

I am into my 7th month dealing with the VA over exposure to AO. I was never stationed in Vietnam but was in Guam 1968-1969 and currently am affected by Prostate Cancer, Peripheral Neuropathy (legs), Heart Trouble, Diabetes, and Kidney Disease. Others have won appeals to the VA for Diabetes while in Guam but Guam is not presumptive at this time. I will fight this to the highest level so wish me luck.

Rich

[Wayne M]

Paul,
Read this:
FRA | Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure for Some Navy Crews

I know your ship is not listed, but just a quick search got me the above. You need to check further as some restrictions have been lifted for Naval vessels off-shore.

Now contact one of your service representatives at the VA and check on your status again.

Good luck.

[KC1BUD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSgt How does one start the process of filing a claim?

You can also check the county that you live in for a office of Veteran's Affairs and they can get things started.

I knew a guy retired Air force, divorced after 20 years( she got half of his pension) Before he filed said he always said he couldn't retire from his job as a car salesman. As soon as his compensation started his working stopped. It made a huge difference for him. He is getting it for Diabetes and P.A.D. and I believe some other heart conditions.

By the same token I have known some other VN vets that doubt they could get anything and are real reluctant to file. They need persistive encouraging.

I collect for Neuropathy and Type 2 diabetes.

Back when they would only listen to those soldiers that handled Agent Orange directly, I always said we didn't exactly hide under a tarp while they sprayed it overhead.