VetXL Q&A Chat: Environmental Exposures and Burn Pits

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When can I file for Hypertension from Agent Orange exposure, I’m already service connected for PTSD

Hello, I have a question about oil fields. I was stationed in the middle of multiple oil fields that burned 24/7. There was always a veil of smoke on the air at all times of the day. It was extremely visible in the mornings during sunrise. Basically it was a purple/blackish mist that hung in and over the base at all times. During my deployment, I saw the medics numerous times for a constant respiratory infection and prolonged cough. They would prescribe multiple drugs to lessen the symptoms. I still deal with respiratory issues off and on till this day. How does the PACT act impact my situation?

Vietnam Thailand Veteran, when can I see compensation foe my Hypertension thats been on record for years now? Thanks
SMsgt Gregory A Thomas

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Was stationed at LSA ANACONDA, OIF 04-05, inside a compound that was in direct path of the smoke from the burn pit, and probably only about 250 yards away from it, there on base, so basically we breathed that smoke every day while deployed there. Came home with an unusual rash and breathing issues. When I tried to file a claim and brought the issue to the attention of my primary VA doctor, they wrote it off as allergies (never had before), and that as I was getting older, I could expect these types of physical changes. Yet, everyone of us that was assigned to that compound, had similar, if not worse issues. I lost a good friend, a young man, who after 9 and a half years of battling with the VA, finally won his case regarding burn pit exposure, only to pass away at the 10 year mark at a young age of 30. So tell me again how it is just allergies and old age that has caused my breathing and sinus issues!!!!

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If you need to talk to someone about PACT, please call 1-800-MyVA411 - a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to VA. You can also visit VA.gov/PACT

I was in Vietnam 1968-69. During my first few months there I was low man on the totem pole so I was given S**t Detail. Not hard to learn, just pull the barrel parts from the back of the latrine, add diesel fuel, then stir until sufficiently combined. Light it up and let it burn. Had to be monitored in case it ran out of fuel or who knows what else. Once the material is burned away the barrels are reinstalled into the back of the latrine. Repeat as necessary.

I was also exposed to Agent Orange while in the field. When we moved through the deforested areas I didn't really know how it happened but we just when right through it. Didn't seem bad at the time.

Back in 2013 my Primary care was wondering where all my blood was going so she finally sent me to a Hematologist who in turn referred me for a Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy. Reason for treatment: diagnosis Pancytopenia (deficiency of all three cellular components of the blood—Red cells, White cells and Platelets). They discovered a complex rearrangement of chromosomes 12, 14 and 17. Interpretation: probable MDS related clone detection (Myelodysplasia Syndrome—pre leukemia is how it was explained by the Hemotologist).

I had two questions: What caused it and how do we fix it? There was no definitive answer to either question. However, it was suggested by several health care professionals that the cause was agent orange. Bottom line: Cannot file a claim because there is no ailment noted in the official record or something to that effect. They tell me I am already registered on the Agent Orange database. I do not see that anywhere in my records.

I am already rated at 100% Totally and Permanently Disabled due to Combat PTSD. Based on this, what can pursuing this actually do for me?