Posted on Aug 25, 2022

In Vietnam I was exposed to burning feces and other chemicals with diesel fuel on a daily basis. I have been diagnosed with COPD. Now what?

SPC Steven Jones

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What do I do now?

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Vietnam

Veteran Benefits Advisor D8c95694

Veterans Affairs (VA)

Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 2

Sgt (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

SPC Steven Jones Talk to a VFW or DAV Veteran Service Officer.

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Sgt (Join to see)

2 y

SPC Steven Jones - You might consider the appeal process. Finding a fellow soldier to confirm your claim might help, but, I know it would be hard to find anyone after 50 some years.

https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/

VA decision reviews and appeals | Veterans Affairs

The legacy VA appeals process has changed to the decision review process. If you disagree with a VA decision dated on or after February 19, 2019, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case. If you aren’t satisfied with the results of the first option you choose, you can try another eligible option.

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SPC Steven Jones

>1 y

Has anyone heard anything about a change to the PACT Act to cover Vietnam vets for burn pit exposure? Burn pits are burn pits, regardless of the country you were in. It sure would be nice to be included in the program.

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Sgt (Join to see)

>1 y

SPC Steven Jones - Vietnam Veterans are not covered for burn pit exposure. You can file an appeal but do you have additional evidence or anyone that back up your exposure claim? Do you have any of the Agent Orange presumptive conditions?

https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=ar_pact_fy23_vietvets&gclid=CjwKCAjw-b-kBhB-EiwA4fvKrGcmSBO-neABEPFHITvjezDL2CtEf6zNHvTUakuq47AMziNyeWluchoCKPYQAvD_BwE

The PACT Act and your VA benefits | Veterans Affairs

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. This page will help answer your questions about what...

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SPC Steven Jones

>1 y

Sgt (Join to see) - Sgt Hallock I would only have all the folks who were stationed with me at HHC 5th Trans Commmand in Qui Nhon in 1969. I have not stayed in touch with any of them. The burn pits were right outisde our barracks near the latrine. I have COPD, which is listed as one of the common effects of burn pit exposure according to the VA website.

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SGT Pedro Belardo

Posted >1 y ago

Really? Honorable discharge, general under honorable discharge? Go to your local VA to register for healthcare. And then put a claim for service connected conditions.

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SPC Steven Jones

>1 y

Honorable, VA is treating the COPD, but denied my claim under the PACT act because I was in Vietnam instead of Afghanistan.

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SGT Pedro Belardo

>1 y

SPC Steven Jones I see. I'm having the same problem. I'm a Desert Shield/Storm vet. Even on Service dates and Campaign there's a should call it exclusion conditions, aka discrimination. Jesus!!

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SPC Steven Jones

>1 y

I hear ya. Amazing that burn pits are non toxic as long as they were in Vietnam...

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In Vietnam I was exposed to burning feces and other chemicals with diesel fuel on a daily basis. I have been diagnosed with COPD. Now what?

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