What have we learned about toxic exposure when comparing Vietnam and Gulf War Eras?

SGT McFarland, please allow me to convey my deepest condolences for the lost of your brother-in-law. And, kudos to you sergeant for being there for your friends! I hear more, your reply is inspirational. I'm moved by the feeling that what has "been learned" is about the brotherhood! We have each other to understand that challenges serve to unite us in a way that is second-to-none! Man, I'm not blind to the bureaucratic barriers to navigating both the VHA and the VBA; but what we possess is the bound between combat eras's that continue to forge our brotherhood! Together we will persevere! Thank you for your post!

SFC Jimmy Arocho Thank you Brother! I am doing what I can, including being active in my local DAV Chapter, because if WE don't stand with our Brothers and Sisters, nobody else will.

MSG Mathers, thank you for sharing your personal story. It is reassuring that there is a healthcare outcome for Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. It is an honor to receive your reply. Please accept my condolences for the friends you have lost. You are a patriot to walk back into the battlefield as a contractor, thank you for your lifelong service! You have served in multiple theaters of combat, that bravery! I deeply appreciate your point-of-view and I better understand that environmental exposure and war present complex challenges for our leaders.

SFC Jimmy Arocho - Thank you for the kind words. I do believe the VA will eventually treat and compensate toxic burn pit exposure once they can investigate and mark the locations of such activity. I can't see that happening any time soon until the country becomes stable. The Iraqi were't too concerned what they burned. My team operated out in the Red Zone for 6 months which I saw some things that were unbelievable. The Iraqi National Guard on the Iraqi side of Camp Cooke were't too environmental considerate nor were those in the International Zone. The army did make efforts to cleanup contractor sites. I think it will be a mess trying to figure the burn pit issue. However, There is no doubt in my mind that the burning of the oil fields did cause Gulf War Syndrome which is not one but a real conclusion. Sometime in the future, our warrior will be chair borne rangers controlling robots and drones. Until then, shit will happen.

MSG Mathers, I also share in the hope that Burn Pit exposed Veterans will receive the needed attention from both the VHA and VBA. Also, ongoing clinical research is "fully-involved," in researching 403 Gulf War related projects! Allow the science to drive the answers being sought:
https://federalreporter.nih.gov/Projects/topicClusters/?searchId=f88f37ed1a254f [login to see] 8e52391d&searchMode=Smart&resultType=projects&filters=&navigation=True

SFC Fuerhoff, I appreciate your contribution to my question. Moving forward, I feel that the days of denial are fast coming to an end.

They're still trying to deny the burn pit = cancer from OIF/OEF right now. "ThErE's NoT eNoUgH EvIdEnCe!" They keep saying. It's ridiculous.

SFC Fuerhoff, don't be discouraged by the obstacles presented to you. Develping cancer from environmental exposure is a critical medical challenge that demands "all-hands-on deck!" Remain vigilant in your VHA/VBA strategy. Maybe the checklist below may illuminate something that you have not yet exercised? Also, this may be helpful to other Veterans facing similar challenges: Invoke your Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT/PCP), ensure they are "fully-involved" in your healthcare plan, receive an evaluation from an Environmental Health Coordinator (https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp), follow the support provided in Transition Management Care (https://www.oefoif.va.gov), register for Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry/Gulf War Registry Health Exam for Veterans (https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/benefits/registry-exam.asp), request from your PACT/Environment Health Coordinator a referral to the WRIISC (https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/gulf-war/gulf-war-winter-2017/wriisc.asp), weight the documentary benefit of volunteering in clinical research (https://clinicaltrials.gov), read and follow the Gulf War Newsletter (https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/gulf-war/gulf-war-2019/index.asp). This following of a systematic VHA healthcare plan may result in the evidence needed to support an improved VBA claim. If needed, print the pages of the above listed hyperlinks and serve them to your PACT. I'd be happy to elaborate on any of the steps? [login to see] .