VeTALKX: Karshi-Khanabad (K-2) Military Exposures Q&A and 2nd Community Forum

Neurological is one of the areas we are fighting for presumptive coverage. We have far too many K2 vets with neurological issues. Email me @ [login to see] so we can talk.

The K2 Surveillance Program is assessing neurologic outcomes. At this time we do not see an increased risk for any neurologic condition in the K2 population but our assessments will be repeated over the next 10+ years. Pact Act offers presumption on over 300 different conditions and cancers. If a condition that you suffer from is not included in PACT Act and you believe it is related to your military service at K2 or elsewhere, you are encouraged to submit a claim with Veteran Benefit Administration at this site https://www.ebenefits.va.gov or by calling [login to see] .

Email me @ [login to see] so we can talk?

We are saddened to hear of your health issues. Yes, you can file a supplemental or increase claim at any time. By submitting a claim for benefits we will evaluate the evidence and provide a decision that reflects your current health conditions. and ask that your current rating be re-evaluated. You can initiate this process here https://www.ebenefits.va.gov https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/ or by calling [login to see] .1800-MyVA411

We are aware of the concerns regarding chronic multisymptom illness (CMI) in the K2 community. We are currently reviewing data in the K2 Surveillance Program to specifically assess the rate at which CMI may be present. The initial assessment revealed no increased occurrence in conditions that are frequently included in the classification of CMI. We will share additional details once those assessments have been completed.

During one of my C&P exams, the examiner informed me of the existence of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Reports (ILERs) that the DoD/VA keeps on us. I was denied direct access or a way to obtain a copy, but she read a snipper to me. The report said that while at K2, early 02, I was only exposed to ionizing radiation and nothing else (and was denied). Apparently, the news segment, which included pictures of the yellow cake and the snippet from the VTC where they refused to let the gentleman you are referring to led to at least some change.

Yes, we factored in all available data and information. In collaboration with our DoD partners we were successful in having all of the reports from the K2 site surveys declassified and they can be found here: https://ph.health.mil/topics/envirohealth/hrasm/Pages/K2-Airbase-Exposures.aspx#WherecanIgetmoreinformation-9. DoD is the authoritative source for determining what contaminants were at military installations. DoD has documented that depleted uranium was found at K2 but to date, there is no evidence that enriched uranium was found at K2.

The K2 Surveillance Program (K2SP) has assessed the occurrence of many GI conditions and cancers. While unfortunately these conditions and cancers have occurred in K2 Veterans, the rates of these conditions and cancers are not greater than was observed in the OEF deployed and OEF non-deployed comparison groups. These assessments and analyses will be repeated at regular intervals over the next 10+ years and findings shared with the K2 community. You are encouraged to submit a claim for the GI conditions you have as they may be included in the presumptive conditions covered by PACT Act which applies to those that served at K2. You can initiate this process here https://www.ebenefits.va.gov or by calling [login to see]

Yep, They are offering a test that they know will come back negative so that they can use it to deny us. Its almost like the people pulling the strings here aren't even human and don't hold a single ounce of compassion. This is why i hate when people say thank you for your service. They don't mean that one bit when push comes to shove and money and apologies are involved.

You're welcome for the information, and we are fully committed to better understanding the health risks associated with service at K2 and to ensuring all Veterans receive the health care and benefits they deserve. 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.

That is definitely needed.

Are your teeth crumbling? Your vitamin D levels very low no matter how much you supplement? Very low testosterone as well?

1st Lt Daryl Riddle

Poor dental health seems to be a common factor amongst so many K-2 vets. The phrases I heard often were "my teeth are crumbling" and "my teeth are falling out of my mouth."

If you have not already filed a claim for compensation with VBA - the Veterans Benefits Administration, please consider doing so as soon as possible. There are many ways to do this: Visit https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/ or call 1-800-MyVA411 (TTY: 711). Applications can be submitted online, in person at any VBA Regional Office, or by mail. There’s no cost for the forms and no fees to apply for VA benefits. If you choose to use a Veterans Service Organization, known as a VSO, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion, contact one of those offices nearest you and they will be happy to help. A list of accredited VSOs is here: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp. Some lawyers help Veterans file claims but that is usually at some expense to the Veteran.

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.

Tim, Have you considered being evaluated at the WRIISC? Email me @ [login to see] so we can talk.

We encourage you to continue to work with your VA healthcare providers to confirm diagnoses and to implement appropriate treatment. With regard to new treatments and technologies, clinical guidelines are followed in VA for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. These guidelines are the same for a given disease/condition whether or not it may have been caused by a military environmental exposure.

Yes, my husband's FOIA request was never answered. After he died, i requested his C file and the answer we had been seeking was in there.

The following link provides detailed information on how to access and download your medical record: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-medical-records/. Please follow this link to check on the status of your claim(s): https://www.ebenefits.va.gov https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/ or call [login to see] .1800-MyVA411, at any time to inquire about the status of your claim; or inquire about how you may submit additional evidence in support of your pending claim.