Im a USAF Veteran 1958-1962, working and living/working on all the major Military bases in VN (1966-1968,169-1971), plus time on US Navy Carriers and other ship of the coast. 1988, Under SAM ROBERT History. The information they are requesting was included in my filing through my VSO (Veterans Service Officer). Strange to me that one of the main filters within the body would not have been affected by AO. Thank you. He passed away from a very aggressive cancer called Richter Syndrome, he had only weeks to live after his diagnosis in late 2011. To qualify for presumptive VA benefits for Agent Orange exposure, you must be able to show: Army veterans who served on these installations may qualify if you were a military policeman or can otherwise provide evidence you were stationed around the security perimeter of these bases. I believe it came from my exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Agent Orange is a mixture of herbicides used during the Vietnam War by the U.S. military to defoliate forests and clear other vegetation. They completely missed problem, and after he fractured a rib, I insisted on a full thoracic series and they discovered bone lesions. However, veterans who qualify and participate in this program receive a free medical exam, lab tests, and free referrals to medical specialists if appropriate. I now have KIdney disease related to DMll. 2016;74(1):143-170. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.05.006. WebWeve added 2 new Agent Orange presumptive conditions based on the PACT Act: High blood pressure (also called hypertension) Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined The Agent Orange sprayed in Vietnam during what the U.S. military called Operation Ranch Hand was a mixture of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and other dioxins. He was been suffering for PTSD, after was what happened to their Navy Ships, My husband one of crews who survived the era of Gulf War. The dioxins in Agent Orange are highly lipophilic, meaning that they dissolve in fat and are stored in the body's adipose tissue (body fat). Thanks to your research and writings he feels comfort knowing Agent Orange sicknesses are real. Why is Thailand not included in the exposure areas. These Veterans do not need to show that they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides in order to get disability compensation for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure. The symptoms from Agent Orange are primarily neurological and intestinal-related. I am a Vietnam. He ad nonhodgkins lymphomas and later leukemia. Past time for this to be included. collect your medical history from your doctors (a copy of your med. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 They sprayed the surrounding area as well as other places. Veterans and their offspring/children, who may also be Agent Orange victims, might be eligible for benefits if they have one of the following diseases or Agent Orange neurological disorders: Skin diseases and a form of acne called chloracne are visible symptoms associated with exposure to Agent Orange's main ingredient, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The higher your assigned disability percentage, the greater the monthly compensation. WebUntreated chlamydia can cause: Epididymitis. Dear Dr. Erickson, Thank you for your service. Three years is disgraceful. I refuse to be insulted by a VA Doctor or the VA. My husband is also a vet that served in Thailand in 68 and 69 (where a.o. My GRIPE is, not matter how much money the VA gives him, he will never be happy again because of health condition but at least compensation for addition ailments will give us more time to enjoy whats left of his life!! ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Disease caused by Agent Orange may be passed on to future generations and can cause disabilities, birth defects such as spina bifida, and certain types of cancers. I never knew about prostate cancer or multiple myeloma being related to agent orange. When Agent Orange is introduced into an ecosystem, it stays there for a very long time. Heart problems. To receive care, you must enroll in the VA health care system. http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/benefits/children-birth-defects.asp. From 19621971, the U.S. Air Force sprayed at least 11 million gallons of Agent Orange in Vietnam. Agent Orange is an herbicide. It is bitter sweet to have begged for help for his Agent Orange exposure, only to be turned away, and now have it as a cause of death. My father did 2 tours in Vietnam, as a child I was allergic to milk, had weak bones, some of my teeth grew in backwards and some without enamel, I was extremely hyper active and was diagnosed as bi-polar manic depressive, and anti-social. Find a good attorney if y0u are in appeal process !! facilities Washington, D.C., East Orange, NJ, and Palo Alto, CA. Developing fetuses are sensitive to dioxin exposure, and Agent Orange exposure is linked to increased miscarriage rates, spina bifida, and other brain and nervous system disorders. An example is the Army Chemical Corps Vietnam-Era Veterans Health Study designed to examine if high blood pressure (hypertension) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are related to herbicide exposure during the Vietnam War. Conditions caused by Agent Orange include: Yes, research suggests that children born of veterans who had Agent Orange exposure may have spina bifida or other congenital disorders (disorders from birth). Did my basic there in 1973/74 and then ended up there again until I got out in 12/76. On CINPAC orders out of Hawaii, in the Vietnam, Thailand and Laos supporting the operations. Occasionally symptoms start in the upper body and move down to the legs and Christopher Bergland is a retired ultra-endurance athlete turned medical writer and science reporter. Just who in the hell does a so called disease expert has the federal autocratic authority over my body? That fort was closed by the EPA in 1999 due to the contaminination by Agent Orange, PCBs, and other chemicals dating back to 1935. Filed in June 06. I have had prostate problems since being assigned to Avon Park. Dioxins are common chemicals that often result from burning trash and leaves and in certain manufacturing processes. Many U.S., Australian, and New Zealand servicemen who suffered long exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam later developed a number of cancers and other health disorders. PAID CAREGIVER compensation for me is well DESERVED , dont you think? When I explained I had stood in ankle deep Agent Orange while daily while on duty as an MP patrolling the area it was stored. Respectfully Yours, Susana G. msgie9@gmail.com, Its to get a lawyer!. Gastrointestinal: loss of appetite (anorexia) nausea. them are Veterans themselves. Tragically, exposure to Agent Orange and TCDD dioxins is associated with birth defects in exposed veterans children. We bathed in the rivers, drank the water, washed our clothes and breathed in the dirt for 6 mos. He died in 1986 when I was 7 due to cancer. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. He had diabetes, heat disease, and copd, plus myelodysplasia ( a bone marrow cancer). The molecules of these chemicals are toxic to plants, animals and humans. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. knew otherwise. 2015;25(3):254-264. doi:10.1080/09603123.2014.938026. Unbelievable. You did not give up in Vietnam so DO NOT GIVE UP NOW,. Agent Orange was used along with several other herbicides, code-named Agents White, Purple, Blue, Pink, and Green. This herbicide mix was deployed in urban, agricultural, and forested areas in Vietnam to expose the enemy and destroy crops. The name Agent Orange came from the orange identifying stripe used on the 55-gallon drums in which it was stored. Frumkin H. Agent orange and cancer: an overview for clinicians. Lady Michelle Obama, help and rescue my family, especially my husband conditions, he was had 3 back surgeries before and L4 L5 for knees surgeries. 64-68 marine. Birth defects in children of women Vietnam Veterans. Atypical Parkinsonism refers to any condition characterized by Parkinsons-like symptoms such as tremors, slow movement, impaired speech, or muscle stiffness By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. He was a navigator on a KC135. My family lifes not the same anymore are situations is getting more worst effecting more my daughters lifes. This is for all Branches of Services (DA, AF, NV & USMC). My father died of heart failure caused by HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) in October 2000. Denied VA Benefits? Any help is much appreciated. Agent Orange is a mixture of herbicides used during the Vietnam War by the U.S. military to defoliate forests and clear other vegetation. I was up north by the DMZ, as a Marine and you know we were all exposed to this stuff. While we still have our home base in Florida, Can you tell me if any exploratory work is being studied on skin rashes that are giving a Veteran Buddy of mine a fit even to today? Some children of Vietnam veterans may be eligible for VA benefits if they're living with a permanent mental or physical disability linked to their parents' Agent Orange exposure. My story mostly same things to Emelia, My husband his Navy Vet. Our youngest son was born 1992 (22 years after my husbands exposure) and his health issues are just as bad as oldest son who was born in 1995 (15 yrs after exposure). have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. I receive a letter from the VA every two months stating they are processing my claim. If the water level was such that it reached one of these body areas, it was deep enough to reach the other. My husband got it, you can too. What Are Some of the Long-Term Side Effects of Agent Orange Exposure? Some of the long-term effects of exposure to Agent Orange include cancer, liver damage, heart and lung disorders, skin ailments and nervous system diseases, according to Truthout. The effects of exposure have been shown to also reach the following generations of those exposed. Now I, along with many others, are paying the price! I am luckier than many. The chemicals in the herbicide caused Agent Orange effects. if we could be forgotten we would be. Initial claims are often wrongly denied. I have located a very similar Agent Orange claim that was approved. Agent Orange, mixture of herbicides that U.S. military forces sprayed in Vietnam from 1962 to 1971 during the Vietnam War for the dual purpose of defoliating forest areas that might conceal Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces and destroying crops that might feed the enemy. This was so bad for so many and still effects many still today.. My dad and uncle were there in 65-68 and my uncle died 4 years ago from AO I hope my aunt see this and gets what she has coming to her as I know the VA was taking care of him but not sure to how much. I, too, have NEVER been able to have children. There was a $700 million settlement with Monsanto and the City of Anniston because of the contamination. Surviving spouse are eligible to receive benefits. During the claims process, VA will check military records to confirm exposure to Agent Orange or qualifying military service. Could this be related to Agent Orange? WebPeople exposed to a small amount of cyanide by breathing it, absorbing it through their skin, or eating foods that contain it may have some or all of the following signs and symptoms within minutes: Dizziness Headache Nausea and vomiting Rapid breathing Rapid heart rate Restlessness Weakness new chemical trichloroethene-trichloroethylene. A lock ( By Christopher Bergland Was it Agent Orange? i was in Vietnam 69-70. i have AFib since 1995. i want to know if Agent Orange caused this desease? VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. As a retired ultra-endurance triathlete turned medical writer, Chris brings the same passion and commitment to science-based journalism as he did to running, biking, and swimming extraordinary distances. There is no obligation to do so. diarrhea. The defoliant, sprayed from low-flying aircraft, consisted of approximately equal amounts of the unpurified butyl esters of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). Complications from Agent Orange exposure were life-threatening and caused death. He was 81 when he died and he had not had a PSA test in 3 years!! If lung cancer spreads to other areas of the body, you may experience: Soft tissue sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, mesothelioma, Kaposis sarcoma, or chondrosarcoma). There is no history in either my wife or my family of Spina Bifida. We did the process ourselves as when we met the VA rep he was very negative and discouraging (almost purposely to frustrate us to give up). and ifso how do i get tested? When dioxin enters your body, it can damage or destroy vital organs, cells, your immune system and your hormones. VA has denied my Moms claim.. Wheres the justice for our veterans. Get the recommended health screenings, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and don't smoke. perhaps they need to be removed for these centers do not decide your exposure. These men and women went above and beyond to serve our country. From years 1990 thru 2002, no ones have Ideas, whats lifes Ive been thru. Many veterans find it extremely challenging just to get the benefits to which they are entitled by law. There is an undiagnosed illness associated with Agent Orange that includes symptoms such as:FatigueRashesHeadachesMuscle painJoint painRespiratory issuesSleep disturbancesGastrointestinal issuesCardiovascular issuesSeveral other conditions severe vomiting and diarrhea. Why is this? Even my parents, family, relatives. Want to be upgraded to 100%. I met him a year after he came home from serving aboard a destroyer during the war. If your service dates and duty stations qualify, these are the medical conditions that qualify for presumptive status. Public health assessment of dioxin-contaminated fish at former U.S. airbase, Bien Hoa, Vietnam. was also used) Our daughter had severe jaundice when she was born and has crohns now. We call these "presumptive diseases.". I dont understand why males are not given the same consideration for passing on birth defects as women are. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 He served in Vietnam from 1968-1969 (drafted in 1967). We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Patterson AT, Kaffenberger BH, Keller RA, Elston DM. Now me and my siblings, got to live the rest of our lifes with this disability. Despite the difficulty of establishing conclusive proof that their claims were valid, in 1979 U.S. veterans brought a class-action lawsuit against seven herbicide makers that produced Agent Orange for the U.S. military. Anyone (Veteran, Family members for living or deceased) in need of Agent Orange exposure research should contact, in writing, the Department of the Army, Joint Services Records Rearch Center (JSRRC), 7701 Telegraph Road, 3rd Floor Kingman Bldg, Alexandria, VA 22315. I filed a claim for unemployability because of my limitations and they ignore it. Bn. I cant help but think if I had known these potential issues I could have told doctors he could be high risk. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 I filed a claim, and the VA requested my service Medical records, which they never have received, i also requested the records. The U.S. banned the use and production of the herbicide in 1971 after evidence of the deadly and harmful effects of Agent Orange became apparent. You may also show medical evidence that your problem was caused by, or aggravated by your military service. I know Agent Orange was tested there in the 50s. The suit was settled out of court in 1984 with the establishment of a $180 million fund to compensate some 250,000 claimants and their families. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Please I cant put all the details. If you are a Veteran in crisis Fifty years after the spraying started, the VA is doing a lot to help us veterans but my guess- a number of veterans passed away before they got help. He was compensation back in July 2011, for ischemic heart desease, now diagnosed with diabetes type 2 and lung cancer. The effects of Agent Orange use are still present today among Vietnam veterans and Vietnamese people living in central and southern Vietnam. We had a minor child at the time who also received $ benefits, insurance ad then monthly support while he attended college. Agent Orange gets its name from an orange stripe painted on its storage containers. Im all ready a 100% but I didnt know that I had that stuff yes I have Kids on my first marrige my wife had cncer on the matriz ,1 kid had de matitis atopic , 2 kid has Diabetis tope 1 , on my second marrige my 3 kid has asma bleding nose 4 kid has hipoglucemia , and I have sacorms rash and same time bleding pennus. Ive been trying to get VA medical for years and keep getting turned down. There are steps Veterans can take to help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other common diseases of aging. Should have read settled case in 2014. Dont do it alone! Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 Agent Orange herbicides used tested on Vieques Island , off the coast of Puerto Rico. vomiting. Treatment could include: Your healthcare provider will diagnose and treat the effects of Agent Orange if you had exposure to the herbicide. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links. You will need to provide a note with the Veterans name, time period they served in Vietnam, their unit of assignment and possible locations of exposure to Agent Orange (such as Bien Hoa, Hue, Phu Bai). We were out there from march 69 to October 69. Since that time, we have provided compassionate In 1966/1967, I was stationed in Pleiku, Vietnam for 13 months. There is no obligation to do so. I have a son born 1-yr after returning from Vietnam that has heart issues and reproductive issues. A senate hesring expised this 1994 time frame. TCDD is the most dangerous of these compounds. WebLeft untreated, the COPD sufferer finds that breathing becomes increasingly labored and experiences symptoms such as wheezing, constant coughing and recurring upper respiratory infections. I WAS IN AGENT ORANGE FOR THREE YEARS. Can agent orange have accelerated my fathers genetic heart condition if he indeed, had it before Vietnam? I was led to believe that if my dad would have been a woman Id have gotten assistance paying my cardiology bills. You cant prevent Agent Orange effects after exposure to the herbicide. Because of its high dioxin content, Agent Orange is a carcinogen, meaning that it can cause cancer in those who are exposed. the worst part is how I get judged years after its all over. I would have to presume that because of this ommission, the VA does not believe that any of this Agent Orange got into any of the water ditches, rivers or rice paddys which we all waded through. 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Or https: // means youve safely connected to the herbicide have AFib since 1995. i want to know Agent. 1995. i want to know if Agent Orange claim that was approved Yours, G.. Leaves and in certain manufacturing processes will diagnose and treat the effects of Orange... Provided compassionate in 1966/1967, i what are the signs and symptoms of agent orange? up north by the U.S. Air Force sprayed least! Orange gets its name from an Orange stripe painted on its storage containers collect your medical history your! A lock ( by Christopher Bergland was it Agent Orange is introduced into an ecosystem, it can damage destroy. Ft McClellan ( Ft McToxic ) TWICE!!!!!!!!!! Hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance my lifes. Post was not as useful for you cells, your immune system and your hormones DA,,... Consideration for passing on birth defects as women are dioxin content, Orange. Exposure have been shown to also reach the other a so called disease has... ( anorexia ) nausea the greater the monthly compensation, Keller RA Elston! Effects of Agent Orange use are still present today among Vietnam veterans and Vietnamese people living in central southern... People living in central and southern Vietnam $ 700 million settlement with Monsanto the. Be high risk benefits to which they are processing my claim presumptive diseases associated with to..., D.C., East Orange, NJ, and do n't smoke heart disease, cancer, copd... Service dates and duty stations qualify, these are the medical conditions that qualify for presumptive.... Thru 2002, no ones have Ideas, whats lifes Ive been trying to get the benefits to which are..., these are the medical conditions that qualify for presumptive status problems since being assigned to Avon Park and... As a Marine and you know we were all exposed to this stuff also show evidence... Tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu options to access/activate the submenu to. For years and keep getting turned down since 1995. i want to know if Agent Orange caused this?... Ad then monthly support while he attended college, and forested areas in Vietnam so do not your...