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VeTALKX: Karshi-Khanabad (K-2) Military Exposures Q&A and 2nd Community Forum
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Visit our VHA website for additional information on K2 resources:
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/karshi-khanabad.asp
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/karshi-khanabad.asp
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Benefits
Health
Deployment
VHA
Responses: 59
Why is DOD withholding the results of the most recent epidemiology study conducted in conjunction with the PACT act? Why are the Yale Law Clinic, the Camp Stronghold Freedom foundation and others currently in litigation with DOD with a FOIA request? Why are you sending out letters to affected service members offering to test Uranium isotopes in Urine when you know that there wont be a trace in either the urine or the serum? Why not do a bone aspiration, or spinal tap if you truly care about our health, as the only place that Uranium would still be found in us is in our livers, kidneys and (most concentrated) in our bones. Seems like you are trying to find new ways to deny us benefits for being poisoned by DOD. Also, why is Fort McClellan not even on your radar?
Served at K-2 2003-2004. Retired in 2010. Had colon cancer in 2013. Had surgery and 12 rounds of chemotherapy which left me with multiple medical issues as a result. Absolutely no history of any cancer anywhere in my entire family. Applied twice to VA for disability compensation. Twice turned down. I am told that any GI cancers are now on the listing. Can I apply again and use the PACT act for justification or will the VA stretch this out for decades like the Agent Orange debacle and hope we all pass on before justice is served?
I'm failing to understand how a letter dated May 12th from the VA detailing the above Q&A is just reaching me on June 6th. With your choice of snail mail to list 4 hyperlinks, you've chosen to further misdirect the hundreds of fellow men & women who served at this base. We all have emails and you chose not to email us this information, which would have been the fastest method, and allowed the member to click on the hyperlinks if they were entered correctly. Which your Rallypoint was not, it only brings you to the main page, not to this specific page here. I'm not going to repeat the questions already stated below, but await your replies on June 29th. Do better VA.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The letter was mailed on June 2nd, and we apologize for the date listed on the letter not being updated. On June 13th, we sent an email version of the letter to all those K2 Veterans for whom we had a valid email address. We are pleased that you received notification of this event. With regard to RallyPoint, if you already had a RallyPoint account, you would have been taken directly to the K2 page. If no account existed, then RallyPoint directs you to create an account before taking you to the requested page. We apologize for any inconvenience but are glad that you were able to navigate to the K2 page at RallyPoint and please that you attended the K2 Community Forum. We have reached out to all K2 Veterans for whom we have a valid address or email. If a K2 Veteran has not enrolled in VHA health care or has not submitted a claim with VBA then VA has no means to collect their contact information. We know that there are Veterans that do not use the VA, and thus, we asked that you share the letter with your fellow K2 Veterans to extend our reach. VA worked with several Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) to assist with the distribution of information.
I was stationed at K2 from November 2001 - February 2002, lived in Tent City within the "berm." I remember that when it rained, the water usually rose to ankle depth, soaking your boots wherever you went. I remember that when this happened, an oil click always covered the water, which smelled strongly of diesel fuel/JP-4. Some Uzbek soldiers I routinely dealt with said the Soviet Air Force used to dump used POL products at the end of the runway where tent city lay. That was only half of it. The other story I heard from Uzbeks (and repeated by one of the officers on the staff) was that after removing all of the nuclear weapons stored at the base following the dissolution of the USSR (and the Red Air Force), that the Soviets blew up most of the nuclear weapons storage bunkers on site (this would have been between 1991 - 1996). I observed these demolished bunkers with my own eyes when I went out jogging around the air base perimeter. So my question is, aside from the ever-present oil slick in the troop living area, when the nuclear ordnance bunkers were blown up, could they have possibly spread degraded or decayed nuclear material in the soil around the entire air base? Thank you. (for more interesting reading, view the attachment). Read the whole things at https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/U_UZB_Karshi-Khanabad%20POEMS% [login to see] _Public%20Release%20Review.pdf
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Defense Center for Public Health-Aberdeen's website provides several documents related to the conditions at K2. Additionally, all of the declassified K2 reports can be found at the bottom of this page under the section titled "Where can I find more information" [https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/envirohealth/hrasm/Pages/K2-Airbase-Exposures.aspx]. The VA's K2 website provides information on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's re-evaluation of the samples collected during the K2 occupation using using currentscreening thresholds for health [https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/karshi-khanabad.asp]. Thank you for your service. If you are not already enrolled for VA health care, we encourage you to do so. VA also encourages Veterans who believe their military service has negatively impacted their health to submit a claim to VBA.
CMSgt Nicole Duckwall
What about Air National Guard and Reserves? Are we included in the K2 Master Roster of the 15,035 total veterans?
1SG Mike B
I was there Nov 01-Aug 02 65th MP Co (ABN) your story makes some sense of the destruction of the ASP, but we were constantly told by Uzbek Police and Military that it was destroyed by insurgents during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That some ordinance flew into the nearby city, Considering the number of Uzbek fighters we picked up off the battlefield as detainees in those early days fighting for the Taliban it made sense to us.
How long would Depleted Uranium / exposure to radioactive material still show up in urine after exposure?
SGT Kristen Oneill
It is usually undetectable in serum and urine within a few days. This is why i don't understand why the VA is offering urine testing. It seems like they are fishing for a new reason to deny us benefits to me. They need to do a bone aspiration, kidney or liver biopsy to detect it in us now. They are counting on us being too stupid and naïve to know better.
"Most tests are for total uranium; however, expensive tests are available to estimate the amounts of both natural and depleted uranium that are present. Most uranium leaves the body within a few days. High amounts in your urine might show that you have been exposed to high amounts of uranium within the last week or so" .- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/toxzine/uranium_toxzine.html#:~:text=Most%20tests%20are%20for%20total,the%20last%20week%20or%20so.
"Most tests are for total uranium; however, expensive tests are available to estimate the amounts of both natural and depleted uranium that are present. Most uranium leaves the body within a few days. High amounts in your urine might show that you have been exposed to high amounts of uranium within the last week or so" .- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/toxzine/uranium_toxzine.html#:~:text=Most%20tests%20are%20for%20total,the%20last%20week%20or%20so.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
It depends on the dose of the original depleted uranium (DU) exposure, DU accumulates in the bones, and the half-life is about approximately 6 months. Even at 20 years, there would be some remnants of exposure. As of 1 July 2023, VA has completed approximately 135 urine assays for the isotopic signature of DU and all are negative. The VA DU testing program was extended to K2 Veterans at no charge to give Veterans the peace of mind that DU does not pose a health risk for them. VA has done over 7,000 urine assays for the isotopic signature of DU and the only positive DU Veterans are those with retained shrapnel from incidents in the first Gulf War. VA has followed these 85 Veterans for almost 30 years; all the published research notes they are doing well.
MSgt Todd McGee
Great info, Thank you for sharing. If the VA isn't delaying or avoiding collecting the correct data, they are doing a great job of not collecting any data. I received the first VA letter recommending I get DU testing (24 hour urine sample) I think April 2023. I was bounced around offices: "no not us, call this number...", "No they are wrong call them the first office back and tell them..."... for 10 months. Feb 2024, Provided the 24 hour sample as instructed. Called back in Apr 2024 for results was told I had to see a Doctor. They called two weeks later..."uhm sorry the lab wont test your sample, something was wrong with it. We have another kit but you have to see the doctor and it is supposed to be a 24 hour sample but they only sent us a small specimen cup for you." This is why I don't use the VA for "health care". Canceling that appointment until someone can explain the process and sounds like the test is a waste of time anyway.
Many of us are still of working age and will not be able to attend the forum. Will it be recorded and placed where we can find it to listen to later?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The community forum held on June 29th is not being recorded. However, slides from each of the presentations will be provided on the VA's K2 website [https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/karshi-khanabad.asp]. VA will ensure that all the regulatory requirements and reviews are addressed so that all upcoming community forums can be recorded and made available for viewing by those unable to attend in person.
When will the VA and the DOD stop playing games with our lives and our health? I’ve been tested for depleted uranium and nothing seemed abnormal. When will they test out bones, kidneys and liver for these trace elements?
I have a Law Judge hearing in July, can I bring up other conditions that were not filed for this hearing or must I refile for these special conditions particularly high blood pressure, sleep apnea, emphysema and others that are listed on the PACT documents that are considered presumptive?
Will we be able to view and listen to the virtual meeting communicating regarding K2? If so please post the link for all Veterans to participate!
Thanks,
James L Bilberry, SGM Ret. US Army
I have a Law Judge hearing in July, can I bring up other conditions that were not filed for this hearing or must I refile for these special conditions particularly high blood pressure, sleep apnea, emphysema and others that are listed on the PACT documents that are considered presumptive?
Will we be able to view and listen to the virtual meeting communicating regarding K2? If so please post the link for all Veterans to participate!
Thanks,
James L Bilberry, SGM Ret. US Army
Sgt Osla McKercher
James--you'll only be able to discuss the conditions that have been adjudicated by the VA that are now on appeal. Your paperwork should say exactly what those issues are.
What you can do: if any of your issues on appeal are presumptive conditions covered under the PACT Act, they will be automatically granted to you at the hearing. If you have previously applied for VA disability for any of those particular presumptive conditions in the past, you can request at the hearing that the judge order the disability ratings to be retroactive. So, if you can bring copies of previous VA denial letters or any other official documents that show the dates you previously filed, that will definitely help you move along any retroactive payments.
You stated, "...must I refile for these special conditions particularly high blood pressure, sleep apnea, emphysema, and others that are...presumptive?"
Definitely refile as a "Supplemental" claim any condition that was previously denied which is now a PACT Act presumptive condition. The benefits will be retroactive to when you originally filed.
https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/?utm_source=rallypoint&utm_medium=native&utm_campaign=ar_pact_fy23_sur#information-for-survivors
What you can do: if any of your issues on appeal are presumptive conditions covered under the PACT Act, they will be automatically granted to you at the hearing. If you have previously applied for VA disability for any of those particular presumptive conditions in the past, you can request at the hearing that the judge order the disability ratings to be retroactive. So, if you can bring copies of previous VA denial letters or any other official documents that show the dates you previously filed, that will definitely help you move along any retroactive payments.
You stated, "...must I refile for these special conditions particularly high blood pressure, sleep apnea, emphysema, and others that are...presumptive?"
Definitely refile as a "Supplemental" claim any condition that was previously denied which is now a PACT Act presumptive condition. The benefits will be retroactive to when you originally filed.
https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/?utm_source=rallypoint&utm_medium=native&utm_campaign=ar_pact_fy23_sur#information-for-survivors
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...
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Additional information is available at [https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/depleted_uranium/] DU levels depend on the dose of the original depleted uranium (DU) exposure, DU accumulates in the bones, and the half-life is about approximately 6 months. Even at 20 years, there would be some remnants of exposure. As of 1 July 2023, VA has completed approximately 135 urine assays for the isotopic signature of DU and all are negative. The VA DU testing program was extended to K2 Veterans at no charge to give Veterans the peace of mind that DU does not pose a health risk for them. VA has done over 7,000 urine assays for the isotopic signature of DU and the only positive DU Veterans are those with retained shrapnel from incidents in the first Gulf War. VA has followed these 85 Veterans for almost 30 years; all the published research notes they are doing well.
The community forum held on June 29th was not recorded. However, slides from each of the presentations will be provided on the VA's K2 website [https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/karshi-khanabad.asp]. We will ensure that all the regulatory requirements and reviews are addressed so that all upcoming community forums can be recorded and made available for viewing by those unable to attend in person. Refiling will be the most expedient method to have the new conditions evaluated. The Law Judge hearing the case will only be focused on the condition at hand. Please follow these instructions: Apply for VA Disability Benefits
- File a claim online using an eBenefits account at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov. This is the fastest way to proceed.
- Complete and mail the VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits) with a copy of your service treatment records to the following address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
- Contact the VA Regional Office at [login to see] for assistance.
The community forum held on June 29th was not recorded. However, slides from each of the presentations will be provided on the VA's K2 website [https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/karshi-khanabad.asp]. We will ensure that all the regulatory requirements and reviews are addressed so that all upcoming community forums can be recorded and made available for viewing by those unable to attend in person. Refiling will be the most expedient method to have the new conditions evaluated. The Law Judge hearing the case will only be focused on the condition at hand. Please follow these instructions: Apply for VA Disability Benefits
- File a claim online using an eBenefits account at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov. This is the fastest way to proceed.
- Complete and mail the VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits) with a copy of your service treatment records to the following address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
- Contact the VA Regional Office at [login to see] for assistance.
I was stationed at K2 (USAF) in April of 2002. I remember vividly the ponds of liquid formed within the tent city area anytime it rained. Many puddles never really disappeared and gave that streaks of colors as if it was fuel in water. I ran many times on the track around the broken down MIG/MIGS. Every other day we were told UXO's were present to stay off the track and then the next day it was all set. Also in 2002 I remember we are all told that traces of nerve gas was found present. A few days later we were told the tests were wrong. I could go on and on. Finally I remember taking showers in puddles up to my ankles on a dirt floor. There was a rumor that a contractor from Brown and Root died after being electrified. I have had and still have multiple physical and mental issues. This place was just plain bad for all who were there.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Defense Center for Public Health-Aberdeen's website provides several documents related to the conditions at K2. Additionally, all of the declassified K2 reports can be found at the bottom of this page under the section titled "Where can I find more information" [https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/envirohealth/hrasm/Pages/K2-Airbase-Exposures.aspx]. The VA's K2 website provides information on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's re-evaluation of the samples collected during the K2 occupation using using current screening thresholds for health [https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/karshi-khanabad.asp]. Thank you for your service. If you are not already enrolled for VA health care, we encourage you to do so. VA also encourages Veterans who believe their military service has negatively impacted their health to submit a claim to VBA.
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I got the same copy-and-paste BS. I asked some very specific questions about the declassified documents and I got (paraphrasing), "Here's a link to the documents so you can read them."