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VetXL Q&A Chat: Environmental Exposures and Burn Pits
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Have worked as a 16B then as a 24U on A Nike Hercules Missile System in Germany 1984-1987 (42 USAAD) we had to wear Dosimeters and or "Radiac" meters to detect the amount of radiation receiving. Have since had colon cancer and would like to know if this exposure to radiation caused my cancer.
Thank you
Jeffrey L. Moneer
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Jeffrey L. Moneer
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service to the Nation. It is extremely unlikely your colon cancer is related to radiation exposure. VA encourages all Veterans who feel their health conditions are related to service to file a claim. This webpage can help instruct you on how to file: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/. A radiation exposure assessment is part of the claims process.
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I served in Iraq March 2003 to March 2004. Since then, I developed cancer (now in remission) and have constant sinus/rhinitis issues, migranes. I recently had my disability physical exam for burn pits, which I understood if I served near the burn pits, which I did, I would receive compensation for my sinus/head issues. I received my letter and because my sinuses were not blocked by a certain percentage, I was denied. Is there a way to reevaluate the criteria for compensation or allow for discretion from the evaluator?
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PO3 Matthew Campbell
Without reviewing the facts of the case, VA cannot comment on the individual claim. It is important to note that Veterans have one year from the date of the claims decision to request a review of the decision. For more information on VA decision reviews and appeals, see http://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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I served in Iraq March 2003 to March 2004. Since then, I developed cancer (now in remission) and have constant sinus/rhinitis issues, migranes. I recently had my disability physical exam for burn pits, which I understood if I served near the burn pits, which I did, I would receive compensation for my sinus/head issues. I received my letter and because my sinuses were not blocked by a certain percentage, I was denied. Is there a way to reevaluate the criteria for compensation or allow for discretion from the evaluator?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Without reviewing the facts of the case, VA cannot comment on the individual claim. It is important to note that Veterans have one year from the date of the claims decision to request a review of the decision. For more information on VA decision reviews and appeals, see http://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/
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I completed basic training at Ft Jackson
where I am certain I was exposed to forever chemicals like the mist and white
foam that used to put out fires would be
visibly seen falling through the air. Also drank and bathed in the water.. Did AIT
at Ft . Benjamin Harris. Did a tour in Korea at Camp Humpries in Korea and did a TDY on Soto Camo Air Force Base.
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 2 times, with no family history. I have high blood pressure, Fibromyalgia, Asthma ,
Diabetes, and Depression. No one talks about soldiers exposed to PSAF toxins
Stateside, where so many bases have been identified as having extreme levels
of forever chemicals. I have extreme pain in my body and my knees are bad from carrying weight from back packs filled with gear . I weighed 124 lbs and back packs weighed a great deal of weight on my small frame at the time. Will they address stateside toxins soldier’s were exposed to.
where I am certain I was exposed to forever chemicals like the mist and white
foam that used to put out fires would be
visibly seen falling through the air. Also drank and bathed in the water.. Did AIT
at Ft . Benjamin Harris. Did a tour in Korea at Camp Humpries in Korea and did a TDY on Soto Camo Air Force Base.
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 2 times, with no family history. I have high blood pressure, Fibromyalgia, Asthma ,
Diabetes, and Depression. No one talks about soldiers exposed to PSAF toxins
Stateside, where so many bases have been identified as having extreme levels
of forever chemicals. I have extreme pain in my body and my knees are bad from carrying weight from back packs filled with gear . I weighed 124 lbs and back packs weighed a great deal of weight on my small frame at the time. Will they address stateside toxins soldier’s were exposed to.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service to the nation. VA is concerned about exposure to AFFF and other PFAS products. Additionally, VA is collaborating with other Federal agencies who are working on understanding the range of health effects and the significance of blood levels. You can find more information here: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/pfas.asp. VA encourages all Veterans who feel their health conditions are related to service to file a claim. This webpage can help instruct you on how to file: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
While the PACT Act does not address toxic exposures at military installations within the United States, VA is fully committed to an immediate and deliberate forward-leaning approach that tackles the questions of environmental exposure. VA will continue to gather as much science and evidence as possible to move swiftly on Veterans facing serious illnesses due to military exposures. When there is compelling information that is scientifically sound and legally defensible, VA will initiate rulemaking related to service connection—allowing Veterans to receive any additional benefits, healthcare, and other services that they have earned and deserve.
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I was a Marine in a Marine detachment 72 thru 75 on the CVA 34 USS Oriskany. My job was running the brig and escorting prisoners to there living quarters for a work day as punishment. Mostly we had them chipping paint Andre painting. I noticed that when chipping paint dust was always in the air. When chipping around electric wires Morey dust which now I feel was asbestos. Is there any long term health concerns around asbestos contamination. I saw they spent 30 million to remove it from the ship before they sank it. No noticeable breathing problems but always on my mind. Kevin
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Asbestos exposure can be associated with health effects. You can find out more information here: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/asbestos/index.asp. VA encourages all Veterans who feel their health conditions are related to service to file a claim. This webpage can help instruct you on how to file: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
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I was stationed at Camp Lejune (New River Air Station) in 1980 for approximately 6 months. Do I qualify for VA Healthcare under the PACT Act? Getting answers related to this is a real crapshoot. Thanks
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service. There are no Camp Lejeune healthcare eligibility changes resulting from the PACT Act. Please contact your local VA eligibilty office to determine your eligibility status.
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As a hospital corpsman, I went two Camp Legeune for Fleet Marine Training before assignment to Bravo 1/1 outside of Danang, RVN. We didn't have large burn pits but did burn diesel fuel latrines and had to obtain water from rivers for drinking and bathing. We also spent a lot of time wading rice paddies. Later I enlisted in the USMC, working on F4J aircraft radar. That involved engines and large mobile air conditioning units. I don't know if I came into contact with Agent Orange, but after my first enlistment, my wife had miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy. Would that fall under the Pact act and should I let my medical practitioner no in advance of my next appointment that I am interested in a screening? I currently get medical care from a VA clinic.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service. The National Acadamies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have done several reports on the effects of Agent Orange and have reviewed reproductive health. Miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies have not been identified with Agent Orange. The PACT Act does not cover these conditions. An exposure screening is available at VA. This screening offers a discussion about your cncerns.
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A veteran unit given Presidential Citation crediting vietnam service for heroic and gallant support. Is that veteran unit eligible for Agent Orange benefits due to location or site exposure due to military occupation?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
To be eligible for presumptive service connection for a disability based on exposure to Agent Orange, there must be evidence that the Veteran served in Vietnam or in the offshore waters of Vietnam, at the Korean DMZ during certain periods, or in the new locations specifically listed in the PACT Act (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam or American Samoa or Johnston Atoll). VA determines whether the Veteran meets this criteria based on a review of military personnel records and other evidence of record.
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I was in Korea during Team Spirit during 1988. I was a PFC so I got the job and I was responsible for burning human waste using diesel fuel. Would this be considered a burn pit?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The PACT Act does not address burn pits for locations in Korea. However, if you believe your medical conditions are related to your exposure to toxic substances while you were stationed in Korea, VA encourages you to file a claim. You can file a claim online via VA.GOV or, in person at any regional office, or with an accredited representative.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service. Burn pits are large areas of waste disposal. Burning human waste is not considered a burn pit. VA encourages all Veterans who feel their health conditions are related to service to file a claim. This webpage can help instruct you on how to file: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
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I was stationed on Futenma AB, Okinawa Japan 91-93 and found articles of agent orange being buried on that base. I was an MP and served some of my security posts on the flight lines where the agent orange was found, and planes were coming and going for the Gulf war. My question would be, why are NON theater veterans not getting the same attention for the PACT act, as other veterans who were actually in theater. I know some may say that in theater veterans were definitely subjected to more (and i would absolutely agree), but some of us were not given an option to be in theater. But that doesn't mean we were not exposed.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The PACT Act does not expand covered locations for Agent Orange exposure to Japan. However, we still encourage you to file a claim if you have conditions that you believe were connected to exposure to toxic substances. Anytime you believe that you have a medical condition that was caused by your military service, VA encourages you to file a claim. You can file a claim online via VA.GOV or, in person at any regional office, or with an accredited representative.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service to the Nation. Department of Defense has extensive records on Agent Orange. While some reports claim it was used or stored on Okinawa, records show it was not used or stored there. Although the PACT Act does not reference your area or period of service, you are still eligible for an evaluation. VA offers a toxic exposure screening when you come in for your next primary care appointment. VA encourages all Veterans who feel their health conditions are related to service to file a claim. This webpage can help instruct you on how to file: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
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