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

2019-12-12T09:01:26-05:00

I learned that after 50-years Vietnam Veterans are still fighting for their Presumptive's!

https://images.radio.com/connectingvets/Agent%20Orange%20letter.pdf

Nova Southeastern University/Institute of Neuro Immune Medicine has setup a survey that will result in a followup from a Research Associate: https://bit.ly/GulfWarIllnessSurvey

Agent%2520Orange%2520letter.pdf

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 12 at 2019 9:17 AM

2019-12-12T09:17:29-05:00

I learned that even though Dioxin (Agent Orange) has a very long persistence, VA only recognizes a presumed exposure of a few days for ships transiting through this harbor or passage. The stuff hangs around for a long time in ships ventilation systems. They won't study it because they don't want the answer. Regardless of conflict, response has been tooth and nail until it becomes a Social Justice issue like mustard gas testing during WWII. Interesting thing. That was an equal opportunity program as my father was one of those gassed at Great Lakes. It eventually caught up with him. VA denied it. After he made copies of records and photos of the Chemical Warfare Testing Unit and sent it to Barbara Boxer, VA started sending him a check... for tinnitus. Once it hit the Social Justice spotlight, VA just then acknowledged the existence of these testing units.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2019 3:32 PM

2019-12-12T15:32:35-05:00

SFC Jimmy Arocho Thank you for the great post. Fighting the VA is an ongoing battle.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Dec 12 at 2019 7:17 PM

2019-12-12T19:17:50-05:00

And the OIF/OEF eras - and we have learned the government and DoD will deny any cause of exposure to toxic chemicals as long as they can. Just like they're doing right now with burn pits and what they did with Vietnam and Gulf vets. Deny, deny, deny.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Dec 13 at 2019 6:29 PM

2019-12-13T18:29:07-05:00

The VA does treat Agent Orange related medical issues. I know of veteran treated for prostrate cancer but only compensated during operations and recovery. I draw 10% for hypertension that I have had since I was 27 years old that is Agent Orange related. I have no doubt that I was sprayed in February 1969 with the rest of my company hunkered down near the Ho Che Minn Trail at the Laotian Border. I feel fortunate because a lot of my Brothers have died as a result of Agent Orange and so far I am still kicking. I was in Iraq for 5 years as a contractor and breathed burn pits every where I went. The majority were burning DFAC food & trash. I am not sure of the burning of toxic materials. I will say anything was possible because the shit sucking trucks would pump out the septic tanks and dump the crap a couple of miles down the road from a FOB. Anyone thinking there is a big check floating out there is mistaken. It hasn't happened with Agent Orange and it won't happen with burn pit illnesses.

Response by SFC Dave Paul made Dec 14 at 2019 11:41 AM

2019-12-14T11:41:33-05:00

So to Korea. New information suggests that Agent Orange was used from 1955 to 1995. https://agentorangezone.blogspot.com/2014/11/usfk-sprayed-defoliant-from-1955-to.html
Try getting that from the VA

USFK sprayed defoliant from 1955 to 1995, new testimony suggests

https://in.news.yahoo.com/usfk-sprayed-defoliant-from-1955-to-1995-new-045010399.html Other USFK veterans and S.Koreans attest to spraying ...

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Dec 14 at 2019 6:30 PM

2019-12-14T18:30:45-05:00

I have friends who are still fighting for their lives from Agent Orange exposure, and I lost a brother-in-law to AO a couple of years ago.

Response by Sgt T.A. Langeland made Dec 20 at 2019 7:26 PM

2019-12-20T19:26:25-05:00

That’s right Jimmy!
I am helping an uncle right now who served in Vietnam. The studies into Agent Orange recommend that hypertension be an AO presumption. Over a year later the Secretary for Veterans Affairs has not determined if he agrees with this recommendation or not. The law says he has either 60 or 90 days to make that determination. He is coming up on being one year past his deadline.

Response by Christina Thundathil made Jul 23 at 2020 12:49 AM

2020-07-23T00:49:54-04:00

Not a DAMN thing. The VA cites they have no evidence that toxic exposures cause any illnesses. They seem to push and shove military members that are out processing and toss veterans around to fend for themselves. I am sick of dealing with them; they cause my anxiety to be aggravated. Better to do it alone without DOD and VA; the anxiety is cut in half.