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How many Vietnam Vets would expanding this list help? Sgt Tammy Wallace
List of Agent Orange-related diseases may expand
Posted from militarytimes.comPosted in these groups: 
Agent OrangeVietnam Veterans of America
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
DAV
Disabled Veterans
Agent OrangeVietnam Veterans of America Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) DAV Disabled Veterans
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
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It's just a political move. If it wasn't, it would of been expanded decades ago. They do not want to pay the money.
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Sgt Jay Jones Based on my experience as a DAV service officer, I can offer a few insights.
First off, there need to be additions to the list of conditions. For instance, many upper respiratory cancers are included, including the trachea, but the esophagus is not included so I had to fight for it for a vet I filed a claim for. Fortunately I found a VA Appellate decision granting service connection, so I included the ruling with his claim.
Further, the Blue Water Navy and other ancillary units list needs to be expanded - far too many units handled or were exposed to A/O but are not on the list, and it's really hard to get deck logs from old decommissioned ships.
The biggest rub in getting Vietnam vets in for benefits however, I think, is the perception of the system that they hold, based on the way they were treated when they came home. I know far too many Vietnam vets who won't ever consider filing for a claim.
The other rub here is that both the VA Benefits Administration and the VA Healthcare Administration are overwhelmed already. If they do this without greatly increasing staffing and funding for both, it will result in further increased delays in getting benefits and healthcare, which will harm many to help some.
Ultimately it comes down to whether our DO NOTHING CONgress will work to fix the situation...
First off, there need to be additions to the list of conditions. For instance, many upper respiratory cancers are included, including the trachea, but the esophagus is not included so I had to fight for it for a vet I filed a claim for. Fortunately I found a VA Appellate decision granting service connection, so I included the ruling with his claim.
Further, the Blue Water Navy and other ancillary units list needs to be expanded - far too many units handled or were exposed to A/O but are not on the list, and it's really hard to get deck logs from old decommissioned ships.
The biggest rub in getting Vietnam vets in for benefits however, I think, is the perception of the system that they hold, based on the way they were treated when they came home. I know far too many Vietnam vets who won't ever consider filing for a claim.
The other rub here is that both the VA Benefits Administration and the VA Healthcare Administration are overwhelmed already. If they do this without greatly increasing staffing and funding for both, it will result in further increased delays in getting benefits and healthcare, which will harm many to help some.
Ultimately it comes down to whether our DO NOTHING CONgress will work to fix the situation...
SPC Nancy Greene
Thank You LCDR Rabbah Rona Marlowe. Am not a VSO, Private VA contractor 94-98. Processed medically discharged Marines from Camp LeJeune, Cherry Point, and NRAS. 98% approval rate, so VA DID NOT renew contract. Still have the knowledge and skills to process paperwork, just Need updated guidelines. (Also have awesome Doctors @ VAMC willing to schedule appointments!)
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