Recently there has been an ongoing conversation about Agent Orange exposure on our Spur e-mail net. We have information on this subject posted on our Spur Bulletin Board at:
http://northwestvets.com/spurs/spur-bb.htm#support
Here are two recent important messages that came to me via e-mail which are very relevant:
From Jim English:
I think veterans of Vietnam should be aware that those who have ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease) are presumed by the VA to be eligible for agent orange compensation. I’m beginning to receive 30% disability payments for ischemic heart disease due to service in Vietnam and I think there are others out there also eligible for such monthly payments.
I served in the 575th TC Detachment in Long Binh and Di An June ’68 to June ’69. As I remember we got sprayed by the Air Force on a regular basis in Long Binh and judging from the few green plants we saw in Long Binh it was probably agent orange. Also, there was a big depot in Bien Hoa which stored huge amounts of the stuff. Bien Hoa is only a few miles from Long Binh.
From Bob Himrod:
Comment…..the VA, as I understand it, pretty much approves claims for misc. cancers (skin & others) simply for Vietnam service. It must be remembered, you didn’t have to be sprayed to be exposed to AO. We showered with river water, it was in rain droplets and it could be assumed, generally, it was everywhere because it was airborne applied by aircraft. Our association (Vietnam Dog Handler’s Assoc.) was in the process to testify before Congress about the higher incidences of testicular cancer among K-9s in Vietnam Vs. K-9s assigned in Europe. This was during the Clinton Administration. Clinton signed into law, that six or so cancers, were considered service-connected simply by being in Vietnam without having to prove being sprayed by AO. I have a couple of my platoon members who have prostate cancer. That too is being rated by the VA as 100% disability. It’s VERY important for any Veteran who believes he’s medical condition is service connected, to file a claim with the VA ASAP. If your claim is approved, payment will be back dated to when you filed your claim. It takes time to get your claim processed. The Veterans line is getting longer. It’s also wise to use a Service Officer from the VFW, American Legion, DAV etc so your paperwork gets done right the first time. They know the drill. I hope this helps in adding to the discussion. Remember, YOU EARN IT.
As Bob Himrod points out, I also highly recommend that you work with a Veteran Service Office (VSO) when filing your claim. They know the drill.
I served in VN in 70-71 in III Corp. IN 2007 WAS DIAGNOSED with Parkinson’s D I was lucky because of paperwork I had established as being in VN and the area I was in. Although no direct contact we flew in many of the areas that they had sprayed. Effective 11/1/2010 Parkinson was added to the list of 11 other illnesses. I was given a disability of 50% which gives me a $ value of 770 per month. I will die from this and and accept it but not without a good fight. I worked thru DAV aand have been very happy with them. Anyone who is in SD this July please stop by Brandon and participate in our golf tourney for Parkinson’s awareness and the problem facing many of our old and new vets. Anyone can contact me and I will help in any way I can. Get your records showing you were in VN and the time you were there. VA is being helpful but you need to have the info you need to present them with the evidence you need for the claim. (785) 630-0201 or my email and I wll help with what I can do.
Pat, Spur 29
I’ve been receiving 20% since 2001 and recently was raised to 50% for the Ischemic Heart Disease. The quickest way to get a claim processed is if you go to the Agent Orange Fast Track Site (https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack/home.do) for the following:
Ischemic Heart Disease
Hairy Cell and other B-Cell Leukemias
Parkinson’s Disease.
Otherwise I also suggest you work with a Veteran Service Office (VSO) when filing your claim for any other disabilities. They can help you every step along the way.
I want to thank Jim, Bob, Sid & Pat for their early comments here. Sadly, Agent Orange is taking a big toll on many of us. I and many other Troopers have Type-II diabetes and the many complications that arise from that disease which is covered as a presumptive illness.
Keep the faith!