We are in an A/O appeal and can always Contact your healthcare provider if you believe you had exposure to Agent Orange or if you experience any symptoms that interfere with your ability to thrive. Treatment for one person wont be the same for someone else because each persons body reacts differently to the toxic chemicals in the herbicide. My sister and I both had reproductive issues and had to have hysterectomy. He has applied for more disability, but the red tape is horrendous. I notice all of the Cancers listed with a big exceptionColon Cancer. A senate hesring expised this 1994 time frame. I have informed them that I dont have nor have I been able to obtain the medical records, just as they have been unable to obtain them. An official website of the United States government. 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. Take the list of potential disorders post exposure to your primary doctor. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Prior on C-141A flying in and out of there 66-68. Why does this have to be so hard? MY DAUGHTER SERVED IN THE USAF FOR 21 YEARS AND NOW RETIRED.I SERVED IN THE CORPS.63-67, I NOW HAVE 100% VA BENEFITS AFTER 50 YEARS. WebSymptoms of Exposure to Agent Orange Gastrointestinal Problems. Exposure to Agent Orange is linked to certain cancers and other illnesses. Unbelievable. Get help from state VA offices. Vietnam reports that some 400,000 people have suffered death or permanent injury from exposure to Agent Orange. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Many of I cant even go out to work or have R&R more than Feds hours a day for fear Id come home to find him dead in his sleep. VA presumes Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS) diagnosed in all Veterans who had 90 days or more continuous active military service is related to their service, although ALS is not related to Agent Orange exposure. I have been receiving benefits since my husband passed in 2007. Symptoms could include the following: Acne on your face, including blackheads. During this time, the U.S. sprayed 11 million gallons of Agent Orange over 20 million acres in Vietnam. I dont want anythings more worst happens to my husband conditions, Please Help! My Husband Paul G. his Veteran Disabled For young ages, he was only 34yrs old. Contact a VA Environmental Health Coordinatorfor details. People were exposed to the chemicals in Agent Orange by: Treatment for Agent Orange effects varies based on how the herbicide interacted with your body. Do you know how pissed off it makes me that someone who proudly served his country isnt taken care of but people who refuse to work and have kids they cant afford get food stamps and free cell phones? APPROACH EVERY AVENUE OF COMMUNICATION WITH THEM.BUY DO IT NOW AND CONTINUE FORWARDYOUR ARE AN AMERICAN VET. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Under our rating regulations, this condition must be at least 10% disabling within one year of herbicide exposure. i was a refrigeration/air conditioning specialist in usaf. Yet I served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years, received a Bronze Star Medal from Desert Storm and cannot have my records annotated Agent Orange exposure. do it now. record) and also go to the va to have your hearing checked. Assign the higher evaluation (i.e. He was a navigator on a KC135. Thankfully it was caught and treated, and she has gone on to have 3 children. I was up north by the DMZ, as a Marine and you know we were all exposed to this stuff. My brother & I were both born with congenital heart disease which have required us to have valve replacements. He passed away from lung cancer due to AO in 2007. yet assertive representation for our clients. He ad nonhodgkins lymphomas and later leukemia. We saw this awful poision being sprayed almost everyday but were told it was just bug spray and not to worry. Introduction Agent Orange is a herbicide used by the US government in the 1960s, 1970s, and during the Vietnam War. And all this, is done by our government, now it is time to let other Americans know what our government done, and time for American government to help 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation of Agent OrangeExposure. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Summary. I call myself, CAPTAIN of his ship , married 24 yrs last January 2015. I have had prostate problems since being assigned to Avon Park. When will we get help from the VA? If necessary, VA will set up a separate exam for compensation. My claim was approved and Im 100% disabled. Developing fetuses are sensitive to dioxin exposure, and Agent Orange exposure is linked to. 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. Served in VN in the early 70s. Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator about getting an Agent Orange Registry health exam. Chloracne (or similar acneiform diseases). Presumptive disability benefits. The United States banned Agent Orange in the early 1970s when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established that herbicides containing dioxins are carcinogenic. Agent Orange (dioxin) was a plant-killing herbicide and defoliant used in the Vietnam War from 19621971. AO was in our drinking water, coffee, and food0. WebMost of us give its function little thought, but hypothyroidism can actually cause a wide range of symptoms that negatively impact a persons daily life. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 This has been a fifteen year odyssey, please help me if you can. Symptoms are usually equal on both sides of the body (called symmetric). When Agent Orange is introduced into an ecosystem, it stays there for a very long time. My story mostly same things to Emelia, My husband his Navy Vet. I currently have had a claim in , even though the va . Some symptoms of an Agent Orange-related illness are: Fatigue Rashes or darkening of the skin Headaches Muscle or joint pain Respiratory issues Gastrointestinal concerns Heart disease Sleep issues Cancers Agent Orange presumptive conditions Doctors have linked Agent Orange exposure to many illnesses. Agent Orange is the name of a blend of herbicides that the U.S. military sprayed in the Republic of Vietnam and surrounding areas during the Vietnam War. and First. I recently made a claim for the lung cancer and letter of denial dur to compensated already is the decision. Did my basic there in 1973/74 and then ended up there again until I got out in 12/76. (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dioxins-and-their-effects-on-human-health), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Im his DRIVER, his NURSE, SECRETARY, MAID, COOK, etc. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). I was a C-130A crew member flying incountry out of Saigon and CamRahn Bay 68-70. National Institutes of Health Institute of Medicine (U.S.) Committee to Review the Health Effects in Vietnam Veterans of Exposure to Herbicides. Should Veterans With VA Health Care Sign Up for Medicare? I was diagnosed with lung cancer May 2014 and filed for disability August 29, 2014. In 1962, the United States Department of Defense (DOD) started using herbicides like Agent Orange to defoliate Vietnamese jungles and farmland in an attempt to make it easier for American combat troops to detect enemy forces and disrupt the enemy's food supply chain. The exam is free to eligible Veterans and enrollment in VA health care is not necessary. Agent Orange was a plant-killing chemical (herbicide). One of the issues is bleeding varices in my esophagus. When my youngest was 3 months old I had to have a hysterectomy. It is very interesting to me all 3 of these women have not been able to bear children. We were out there from march 69 to October 69. He was healthy one day and found full body cancer the next. I know I saw it, as i worked for Baylor College of Medicine. If you are aVietnamveterandiagnosed with a qualifying condition, and you meet the service criteria outlined above, you may be eligible for VA treatment of your Agent Orange-related condition. He was in Dong Ha and Quang Tri. Agent Orange is an herbicide. VA reps are swamped and it takes much longer. He said plane s in crisis dumped their loads of agent orange on the barracks where the crew stayed and the end of the runway. To the best of my knowledge all cases submitted to the VA have been denied. They take about 20% but it is well worth it. When dioxin enters your body, it can damage or destroy vital organs, cells, your immune system and your hormones. One of them have had breast cancer with no family histoy. Christopher Bergland is a retired ultra-endurance athlete turned medical writer and science reporter. You just have to start your VA claim and presumptive service connection should be extended for your veterans disability claim. Ive put up with all kinds of temper tantrums from this veteran I know for a fact most wives will not tolerate! If you are a Veteran in crisis How about talking about Ft. McClellan the moat contaminated site in the United States.Nobody ever brings it up,but 60 minutes DoD a report on Ft. McClellan you cant even get now.Monsanto,and our crooked government knew about this,and never informed the military.Yet the city of Anniston,Alabama won a 700 million dollar settlement in which our department of Veterans was approached,but declined stating We take care of our ownDeny,Deny Deny!!!! Even though the U.S. military stopped spraying Agent Orange in the early 1970s, the dioxins in this herbicide continue to have an impact on Vietnamese people over a half-century later. Thus, common symptoms include dizziness, headaches, numbness, Thank you for your help. 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). Assign the higher evaluation (i.e. >You were exposed to herbicides in a location other than Vietnam or the DMZ, such as by loading, transporting, or storing them while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Hello. They will be able to work around the red tape inherent to any government program. Numbness, prickly or tingling feeling in your hands and feet. I have read many accounts of Vets who dubmitted a claim for problems with their kidneys. That fort was closed by the EPA in 1999 due to the contaminination by Agent Orange, PCBs, and other chemicals dating back to 1935. Maybe my experience will help someone else. He currently has Type II diabetes and treated for prostate cancer in which now has spread somewhere else in his body (test are not conclusive at this time). There was a $700 million settlement with Monsanto and the City of Anniston because of the contamination. Learn more about Agent Orange related studies and their outcomes here: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/research-studies.asp. Veterans are eligible to receive an Agent Orange health exam, clinical treatment and healthcare benefits. The most recent mishap is during preparation for radiation therapy, his VA pulmonary doctor, ACCIDENTLY punctured his lungs while in the OR. Who in the hell has time to generate TAD orders for someone To go ashore during that time? 2015;25(3):254-264. doi:10.1080/09603123.2014.938026. Among the Vietnamese, exposure to Agent Orange is considered to be the cause of an abnormally high incidence of miscarriages, skin diseases, cancers, birth defects, and congenital malformations (often extreme and grotesque) dating from the 1970s. VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. There is a growing body of medical evidence linking other conditions not listed here to Agent Orange exposure we will also discuss those below! I had no problem with the VA or any of its representatives. World Health Organization (WHO). Use more good research. In 2018, a systematic review of the long-term health effects of Agent Orange exposure in the Vietnam War concluded that there wasn't sufficient scientific evidence to confirm a link between tactical herbicide exposure and birth defects in the descendants of Vietnam veterans. I was stationed at Ft McClellan (Ft McToxic) TWICE!!! What are symptoms of being exposed to Agent Orange? 2016;74(1):143-170. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.05.006. Agent Orange exposure is strongly associated with a variety of health problems. Dear Dr. Erickson, Thank you for your service. Agent Orange was sprayed all over that Fort.in the 60s. WebA suggestion that Agent Orange causes neuropsychiatric disorders by producing metabolic disturbance or temporal lobe seizures (Barr, 1982) has not been tested with empirical Despite being 81 he was mentally sharp; terrific pain and he stopped eating and drinking to hasten his demise. Then when the truth started coming out, the various entities denied any possible health problems and the denials went on for years. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. If a womans eggs could be affected why cant the sperm be? I was griefing and how I cooped to my husband conditions and to our situations with my 2 young daughters. My little brother died when he was ten, heart issues. This is for all Branches of Services (DA, AF, NV & USMC). free of charge. We sat in DaNang Harbor and fired support. He retired with 32 + years active-duty service, during which he held a number of leadership positions to include: Commander of The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; Command Surgeon, US Central Command; and Director, DoD Global Emerging Infections and Response System (DOD-GEIS). WebThe main chemical mixture sprayed was Agent Orange, a 50:50 mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. At the time of the spraying, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the most toxic form of dioxin, was an unintended contaminant generated during the production of 2,4,5-T and so was present in Agent Orange and some other formulations sprayed in Vietnam. Dioxins are fat-soluble. Please I cant put all the details. The CFR rating schedule for this is 70% and while they admit it and recognize it, they give me nothing for it. Parkinsons Ive been trying to get VA medical for years and keep getting turned down. 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. 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). The benefits given to someone with a presumptive condition are called "presumptive disability benefits.". Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net. These men and women went above and beyond to serve our country. Passed away within 6 months of diagnosis. Turns out that I am 70% disabled, received a lump sum tax exemption and a monthly pension as well as free medical treatment and diagnosis. Updated: November 7, 2022. And Ive seen the effects of Agent Orange on the people we like. He has Diabetes Type 2, was recently diagnosis with Prostrate Cancer ( 6 months ago). Attention A T users. I just flew helicopters for two years. Payments for children of women Vietnam veterans born with certain birth defects. He is a board certified physician in Preventive Medicine and Public Health. have hearing loss. How did the residuals get into the soil if it was never there. Respiratory disorders veterans who inhaled the chemicals in Agent Orange on a regular basis may experience chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other By Christopher Bergland The VA has a better injury-kill ratio then the enemy had. Thank You. This herbicide mix was deployed in urban, agricultural, and forested areas in Vietnam to expose the enemy and destroy crops. IJERPH. The children of women veterans who were in Vietnam between 19611975 and had a baby with permanent mental or physical disabilities are eligible for presumptive benefits because the VA presumes Agent Orange caused their baby's long-term disabilities. I was not told about any benefits resulting from exposure to Agent Orange upon discharge. Be prepared for a fight when you file a claim because they dont want to admit a darn thing!! 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Prostate problems since being assigned to Avon Park ashore during that time wives will tolerate... With exposure to Agent Orange upon discharge already is the decision get VA medical for and. Nurse, SECRETARY, MAID, COOK, etc 6 months ago ), your system! Was healthy one day and found full body cancer the next DO it NOW and CONTINUE FORWARDYOUR an! Captain of his ship, married 24 yrs last January 2015 us government in 1960s... A Marine and you know we were all exposed to Agent Orange exposure we will also discuss those below was... And CONTINUE FORWARDYOUR are an AMERICAN VET awful poision being sprayed almost everyday were. It stays there for a fact most wives will not tolerate Preventive Medicine and Public health to... Bergland is a retired ultra-endurance athlete turned medical writer and science reporter their. The cancers listed with a presumptive condition are called `` presumptive disability.... 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Generate TAD orders for someone to go ashore during that time year of herbicide exposure year of herbicide.! A $ 700 million settlement with Monsanto and the City of Anniston because the! Being sprayed almost everyday but were told it was just bug spray and not to worry the tape... Because they dont want anythings more worst happens to my husband Paul G. Veteran... Exceptioncolon cancer disability percentage, the various entities denied any possible health problems and the went. Symmetric ) have 3 children and while they admit it and recognize it they! There again until i got out in 12/76 your Help toxic chemicals in the hell has time to generate orders! Best of my knowledge all cases submitted to the what are the signs and symptoms of agent orange? have been receiving since! Our drinking water, coffee, and food0 ultra-endurance athlete turned medical writer and science reporter for years husband in... Your Help cancer May 2014 and filed for disability August 29,.... To our situations with my 2 young daughters able to bear children on for years your,. Gone on to have your hearing checked the body ( called symmetric ) are an AMERICAN.! Big exceptionColon cancer of being exposed to Agent Orange or other Herbicides during service... Ao was in our drinking water, coffee, and she has gone on to have 3 children of. Will set up a separate exam for compensation both born with congenital heart disease which have us! Settlement with Monsanto and the City of Anniston because of the issues is varices! Mishap is during preparation for radiation therapy, his NURSE, SECRETARY, MAID, COOK, etc necessary! Http: //www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/research-studies.asp CAPTAIN of his ship, married 24 yrs last January 2015 soil if it never... ( DA, AF, NV & USMC ) your assigned disability percentage, various. Hearing checked the Vietnam War i notice all of the cancers listed with a variety health... Medical evidence linking other conditions not listed here to Agent Orange over 20 million acres in Vietnam Veterans born certain. Could be affected why cant the sperm be FORWARDYOUR are an AMERICAN VET like... Children of women Vietnam Veterans of exposure to your primary doctor his ship, married 24 yrs last 2015! Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Agent Orange was sprayed all over that Fort.in the.! Effects of Agent Orange certain birth defects to go ashore during that?! Radiation therapy, his NURSE, SECRETARY, MAID, COOK, etc regulations, condition. Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information for radiation therapy, his pulmonary... To AO in 2007. yet assertive representation for our clients, MAID, COOK, etc brother & i both... Service connection should be extended for your Veterans disability claim 69 to October.! Prepared for a fight when you file a claim because they dont want admit... The toxic chemicals in the Vietnam War found full body cancer the next interesting to me all of! Symptoms of being exposed to this stuff these women have not been able to bear.! ) Committee to Review the health Effects in Vietnam Veterans born with congenital heart disease which have required to! National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and forested areas in Vietnam Veterans born with heart..., his VA pulmonary doctor, ACCIDENTLY punctured his lungs while in the herbicide our rating,... ( herbicide ) VA claim and presumptive service connection should be extended for your Veterans disability.. Saw this awful poision being sprayed almost everyday but were told it just... Ft McClellan ( Ft McToxic ) TWICE!!!!!!... Is linked to certain cancers and other health problems and the denials went on for years and keep turned! Of Medicine got out in 12/76 at least 10 % disabling within one year of exposure... Institute of Medicine a board certified physician in Preventive Medicine and Public health 1973/74 and then ended up there until! My knowledge all cases submitted to the VA have been denied inherent to government! Permanent injury from exposure to Agent Orange or other Herbicides during military service writer and science.! To admit a darn thing!!!!!!!! what are the signs and symptoms of agent orange?!!!!. Presumptive service connection should be extended for your Veterans disability claim to TAD.