VetXL Q&A Chat: Environmental Exposures and Burn Pits

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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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?

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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?

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.