Were Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Thailand?

2016-01-18T05:53:48-05:00

Recently, Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia introduced legislation to make for greater assistance for those affected by Agent Orange. Since AO was stored in Thailand and flights launched from Thailand, it is only right our brothers and sisters who supported operations in Vietnam also be covered. This is the tweet I sent them just a short time ago.

@SenatorWarner @timkaine Your move to get better coverage foe us vets exposed to AO Is NO DAMN GOOD unless you include Thailand veterans!!!

Will you support your brothers and sisters who are also affected by this chemical and so far are being denied their due by our government?

Response by SP5 Ford Ross made Jan 19 at 2016 5:39 AM

2016-01-19T05:39:03-05:00

Yes. even after April 1975...

Response by SSG Wayne Piercy made Jan 19 at 2016 6:18 AM

2016-01-19T06:18:18-05:00

I got infected with it on an Air America flight from Bangkok to Saigon late 67.

Response by LT Russell Giambrone made Jan 19 at 2016 6:50 AM

2016-01-19T06:50:31-05:00

MY dad died of brian cancer.. My mother fought for years trying to prove it.. He was Army signal corps stationed in Thailand... Long story but the way he and my mother were treated was disgusting. He was diagnosed two days after my graduation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I gave up my commission the USMC and took my reserve commission with the Navy to watch my dad dwindle away. He wanted a military presence at his funeral. The Army said no to cut backs.. But the Academy, a Vietnam Veterans group and an Army Soldier who gave up his own time was a powerful presence... I am proud of my Families Service and all of us that decided to serve to our nation (most doing much more than me).. But I feel our government does not appreciate the service and the sacrifice... God Bless...

Response by SFC Marty Jones made Jan 19 at 2016 7:00 AM

2016-01-19T07:00:35-05:00

Sad but true statement. I do separation briefings and this is the very reason I emphasize making sure everywhere you've been is documented and included on your DD 214 so if ever a situation arises later you will have documentation that proves you served in the AO.

Response by SP6 Ron W. made Jan 19 at 2016 8:11 AM

2016-01-19T08:11:03-05:00

I was at one of our intercept sites in northern Thailand in which agent Orange was used to clear out certain areas. I never went into those areas. However, others did and they should be considered.

Response by CMSgt John Momaney made Jan 19 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-01-19T10:17:16-05:00

Agent Orange was used in Thailand. Operation Range Hand was the name it was used under. NKP Royal Thai Air Base was on the Mekon River and the closest base to North Vietnam. The foliage around this base was heavely sprayed. Ubon RTAB was the main base were Agent Orange was mixed and loaded on C-123's. Not much concern about spraying it on American and soldiers from other nations was taken. I had friends in the 70's who had strange cancers and blood deceases that our government would not admit came from Agent Orange. They all died. When I took a VA physical they asked me if I thought I had Agent Orange? I replied "No" if so I would already be dead. Those who fought in Desert Storm were also exposed to chemicals. But you do not hear much about that either.

Response by SFC Terry Clay made Jan 19 at 2016 11:39 AM

2016-01-19T11:39:55-05:00

The VA does concede exposure to Thialand veterans, security policemen, patrol dog handlers and anyone who served near a base perimeter as shown by MOS, performance evaluations or other credible evidence. We have sucessfully filed for several of these, so if you spent time in the run up areas or was on detail to police drag chutes from the F4's and you are experiencing problems that are listed on the Agent Orange list, don't take no for an answer, get your claim in thru an accredited representative.

Response by Capt James Coursey made Jan 19 at 2016 12:14 PM

2016-01-19T12:14:47-05:00

For some of us, proving we were in Vietnam at all is next to impossible.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 12:17 PM

2016-01-19T12:17:36-05:00

I agree. But what about us Munitions Specialists' that worked with agent orange , white, purple, etc. at Eglin AFB, FL, where a lot of this stuff was tested in the 50'd and 60's? Or mustered and phosgene gasses overseas?

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Jan 19 at 2016 12:18 PM

2016-01-19T12:18:52-05:00

My VA report says exposure to Agent Orange, then denies service connection. What moron finds AO in me, then says it is not service connected. I have most of the symptoms, and presently rated at 100% permanent and total. What gives here?

Response by SFC William Adamek made Jan 19 at 2016 1:03 PM

2016-01-19T13:03:18-05:00

And then you have the individuals that participated in locations that are still classified and/or there was never a record made of them being where they were. They will continue to suffer and be unable to get the care and benefits they deserve.

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Jan 19 at 2016 1:15 PM

2016-01-19T13:15:23-05:00

You bet....

Response by PO3 Rod Arnold made Jan 19 at 2016 3:34 PM

2016-01-19T15:34:28-05:00

Good luck with them ever admitting to it.
I was stationed in the Subic Bay, and during my off time I helped out at the stables. The area was getting pretty over grown and was sprayed with Agent Orange. I've since come down with a few of the symptoms and filed a claim with the VA. I was told they only consider Vietnam in the claims, and I was rejected. They know where it was sprayed but won't admit it!!!

Response by CPO Mike Castro made Jan 19 at 2016 4:41 PM

2016-01-19T16:41:39-05:00

The VFW has been pushing for this.

Response by Sgt James Walker made Jan 19 at 2016 5:02 PM

2016-01-19T17:02:13-05:00

yes, also did AO affect ones respiratory system?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 5:11 PM

2016-01-19T17:11:16-05:00

if thailand is to be included how about including guam. the b52's would return from bombing missions and maintenance would start as soon as they landed. with agent orange in the atmosphere b52's would be covered. maintenance would be crawling all over aircraft getting them ready to fly again. hence, mechanics would come in contact with agent orange. they would get it on their clothes, hands, and skin. sometimes not being able to wash before eating or drinking, second hand contact.
larry

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 9:22 PM

2016-01-19T21:22:24-05:00

The list of locations where VA knows Agent Orange was used or stored and military personnel were exposed includes bases in Thailand, Korea, and others. You can see the locations at http://goo.gl/s99zqm

Exposure to Agent Orange by Location - Public Health

Information on where Veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service

Response by SSgt Ronald Heasley made Jan 20 at 2016 12:20 AM

2016-01-20T00:20:36-05:00

S Sgt Ronald L Heasley,most likely, but will anyone stand up and say yes, or by now there dead, be hard to get statements to support this action?

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jan 20 at 2016 12:45 AM

2016-01-20T00:45:22-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner. Agent Orange. AO along with PTSD has become the Vietnam era ticket to a pension or if lucky a disability claim, which over age 55 all become 100% it looks like. Both are the result of the VA lying so I don't really blame the Veterans looking for the gold at the end of the VA tunnel. There are no credible medical studies that AO causes any particular medical condition, but back in the 1970's when AO first came up a small group of activists made enough noise to to get the VA to commission any studies. All of the compliant agricultural scientists already worked for the chemical companies so the VA had to go overseas and contract out the woe and managed to find researchers in Canada and Australia who had never worked with AG Chemicals and wanting to please provided political correct papers. After being tried in the court of public opinion the VA came up with the idea of using statistical analysis to solve their problem. Any condition that a Vietnam Veteran has that is statistically higher even by a small amount over a sample group of males from the same generation is AO related. The exact same process, of concocted medical research screwed up PTSD to the point where soldiers with obvious mental effect can't get treatment, while the bull sh**ers take up clinic space.

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Jan 20 at 2016 1:21 AM

2016-01-20T01:21:03-05:00

Have you seen this article?

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20160109/NEWS/160109364

Is Agent Orange still a threat to local residents?

More than 45 years after the last Agent Orange spray testing was completed at Eglin Site C-52A, some local residents still wonder about the residual

Response by 1SG Gladstone Everard made Jan 20 at 2016 6:37 AM

2016-01-20T06:37:06-05:00

My recommendation is, please stop by your local Disabled Veteran of America Office and they can help you with this matter. I happen to chat with them two times per week and I found the team to be very knowledgeable. Have a great day

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jan 20 at 2016 6:52 AM

2016-01-20T06:52:03-05:00

If all this is true, then they should be duly compensated.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Jan 20 at 2016 7:40 AM

2016-01-20T07:40:54-05:00

The Fleet Reserve Association, Vietnam Veterans Association and VFW are all involved in the AO issue. FRA is especially involved with "Blue Water" Navy exposure, Thailand and Guam. Australia has proved it's Sailors off the coast waters were exposed and suffering from the effects of AO. The U.S. Govt., in my opinion, is conducting a response via attrition. By this I mean there is evidence about this issue, needed attention but this will only come to light once enough Veterans have died and the numbers are low enough to make it financially acceptable. However, as I previously stated, some very strong Organizations are acting together on this issue to bring it to the forefront. Support one of these Organizations to make the efforts come to fruition.

Response by SPC Charlie Ellis made Jan 20 at 2016 8:22 AM

2016-01-20T08:22:56-05:00

Yes......
We need to continue fighting for this

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jan 20 at 2016 8:48 AM

2016-01-20T08:48:15-05:00

As a young C130 flight engineer I was sent to Vietnam right out of tech school. The remaining members of my class (14) all were sent to Thailand and 12 flew Ranch Hand missions. All 12 are dead and died in their 40's from various forms of cancer. The remaining 3 of us thank our lucky stars that we by the grace of God avoided this man made plague.

Response by Lt Col David George made Jan 20 at 2016 1:25 PM

2016-01-20T13:25:58-05:00

I was stationed at Bien Hoa and worked (maintenance) with the Ranch Hands and their a/c and no one has ever suggested I was exposed to Agent Orange or should apply for anything even though I have symptoms that have become disabilities that are on the list of known effects of AO. I was at two Thai bases as well and exposure at a Thai base seems far-fetched compared to Bien Hoa.

Response by Lt Col Pat Knell Smith made Jan 20 at 2016 1:57 PM

2016-01-20T13:57:25-05:00

Anyone working on or near the flight line during Operation Ranch Hand would have been exposed. And I have to wonder how much Agent Orange was used on and around the base perimeter to clear vegetation to promote better security. Too many people choose to ignore Thailand as part of the war effort and veterans are not treated as "true" Vietnam Veterans. That attitude needs to stop and Veterans who supported the war effort from Thailand need as much consideration as anyone else.

Response by Sgt George Boston made Jan 20 at 2016 2:10 PM

2016-01-20T14:10:29-05:00

I was stationed at Tan Su Nhut Afb in Saigon from Oct 64-Jan 65, Saigon is one of the highest exposure areas listed for AO, I also crawled around on the planes that sprayed the AO looking for bullet holes and we would paint red circles around them. I have had Neurapathy in both legs for about 15-20 years now , I have filed numerous claims with the VA, the most recent was a couple of weeks ago. I was told it may take up to 5 years to hear back about the claim this time. I'm 72, do the math ! I was told by the VA that it doesn't matter what the doctors say caused my problem , it's up to the VA people who decide on who gets what for benefits ! Pretty sad way to treat Vets !

Response by SSG Henry Mack made Jan 20 at 2016 2:59 PM

2016-01-20T14:59:00-05:00

I was in Danang and Phubai
in 71/72. I just recieved 10. Percent disability for diabetes. Is there any other claims i can put in for? Someone said just for being in that area!?

Response by SSgt James Cottrell made Jan 20 at 2016 3:20 PM

2016-01-20T15:20:01-05:00

I served at Udorn and NKP. Both were Agent Orange bases and NKP it was sprayed on the perimeter by truck. I have 30% for a heart condition, and recently came down with bladder cancer. Jim Cottrell, SSgt

Response by CMSgt Milton Bell made Jan 20 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-01-20T15:42:44-05:00

The VA Agent Orange (AO) compensation website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-postservice-agent_orange.asp states "Even if you did not serve in Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone during the specified time periods, you can still apply for disability compensation if you were exposed to an herbicide while in the military and believe it led to the onset of a disease. This includes Veterans who served on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand during the Vietnam Era."

The VA Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/locations/thailand.asp states: Vietnam-era Veterans whose service involved duty on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits. The following Veterans may have been exposed to herbicides:

- U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.

- U.S. Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.

- U.S. Army Veterans who were stationed on some small Army installations in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. However, the Army Veteran must have been a member of a military police (MP) unit or was assigned an MP military occupational specialty whose duty placed him/her at or near the base perimeter.

The Public Health website also includes the following vets who are AO eligible:

- Veterans who were crew members on C-123 planes flown after the Vietnam War.

- Veterans associated with Department of Defense (DoD) projects to test, dispose of, or store herbicides in the U.S.

If eligible, you must prove that you were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during your military service to be eligible for service-connection for disease VA presumes are related to Agent Orange exposure.

Hope this helps.

Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange - Compensation

VA disability compensation benefits for eligible Veterans for diseases resulting from exposure to Agent Orange

Response by MSgt Robert Leffler made Jan 20 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-01-20T16:19:43-05:00

I was assigned to Korat Thailand from Oct 75 until Mar 76 during close out. I was at the time, an AF Security Police and preform duties which included nightly (perm Mids), walking the inner and outer perimeter, slogging through swampy areas, WSA activities, AC Security and of course being the jeep, not just me, but all jeeps... we given the crap duties the other SP's did not want to do and as SP's there was plenty of Crap to go around. I have often wonder what all crap was used to kill the insistent growth of weeds and jungle. Seemed like the crap could grow in front of your eyes. I know we used DDT for the mosquitoes and then the smoke trucks which nightly fumigated the whole area... the problem lies is they established a random date of 7 May 75 and say that is the cut off... like the poison really has an effective termination date when it stops being a health threat.

I am all for anyone who was subjected to these chemicals ensuring they are check and annotated in the medical records. I am also wanting to make sure we who served during the close out of Thailand also are considered. If it is anything like asbestos I doubt the VA will do anything until it is to late. I was subject to excessive levels of asbestos specifically at 2 assignments (that I know of) and was medically check out and monitored until I retired. I brought this up with the VA and they only said... if you get asbestos's or whatever it is called, they would then consider looking into the possibility.

Keep those who served during the close out of SEA through 1976 included for our long term health.

Response by TSgt Dan Decker made Jan 20 at 2016 6:02 PM

2016-01-20T18:02:26-05:00

Hell, yes, we were. The AF CHECO Report titled Base Defense in Thailand, states that all bases in Thailand used Agent Orange to control vegetation on their perimeters and interior areas. We were exposed on a daily basis, while those in South Vietnam were only exposed when they were in areas where spraying operations had occurred. Saigon commandos were NEVER EXPOSED!

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Jan 20 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-01-20T19:23:57-05:00

Yes. It was one of the places the planes were loaded. It is absorbed through the skin as well as inhaled. PPE was a rare thing then.

Response by PO1 T.M. Ritchie made Jan 20 at 2016 7:43 PM

2016-01-20T19:43:51-05:00

Yes they were my co-worker was retired Air Force and he was stationed a U-Thant filling the planes up with it as they flew to Vietnam! He died a few years ago from the effects of his exposure..but it could have been also because he drank like a fish and smoked like a chimney too..

Response by Sgt Lew Dunham made Jan 20 at 2016 9:58 PM

2016-01-20T21:58:03-05:00

The Pararescue team ran the perimeter road at NKP every weekday ... a five mile run on Fridays (very tough after a Thursday night downtown). We also spent time at all of the other bases in Thailand on a regular basis, pulling alert.

In addition to losing the nerves in my ears, I've suffered from peripheral neuropathy for 20 years, but the things I've read state that the onset of this must occur within one year of potential exposure ... so I am treated by a civilian doctor for the condition.

Can't wait for the next thing to appear ... I'm only 61 ...

Response by CPT Brian Hentz made Jan 21 at 2016 12:01 AM

2016-01-21T00:01:52-05:00

yes it was stored in one the supply storage areas I worked

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Jan 21 at 2016 3:17 AM

2016-01-21T03:17:00-05:00

I didn't know that they weren't included. They should be. Anyone that knows anything about the way AO was handled would know that if you were on an air crew hauling the stuff, you were exposed. AO was being spread by these aircraft and it didn't just leave the aircraft clean. There was blow-back, spills got all over everything.

Response by Lt Col David George made Jan 21 at 2016 1:05 PM

2016-01-21T13:05:10-05:00

Storing and launching flights from a location wasn't sufficient to claim exposure nor was working in maintenance and launching the flights from Bien Hoa. But, TSgt Dan Decker claims everyone on a base in Thailand was exposed due to its widespread use in controlling vegetation on and off bases. Must be a period of service attached. It bears looking into if you really feel you're due compensation or need treatment. I personally think it's very improbable or I'd have heard something about it before now.

Response by MSgt James Brewer made Jan 21 at 2016 3:32 PM

2016-01-21T15:32:52-05:00

I was stationed at Takhli in 1972. We reopened the base. One of the nose docks we worked in was used for AO storage. I also went in to Bien Hoa while there. I can't prove it because I don't have any orders. I'm being treated for PTSD by the VA but can't get compensation because I can't prove I was in country. I can only imagine what those suffering from the effects of AO are going through with the VA.

Response by CMSgt Novus Livy made Jan 21 at 2016 11:37 PM

2016-01-21T23:37:48-05:00

Can you provide information about any "flights launched from Thailand" carrying herbicides? I spent time at several bases in Thailand during the Vietnam war and would like to know particulars.

Response by Cpl Randall Scott made Jan 22 at 2016 2:09 AM

2016-01-22T02:09:38-05:00

Yes they were exposed!! I am a disabled marine that was infected with anthrax in Thailand. We were on a top secret operation in 1993 called Cobra Gold. We went into Laos looking for MIAS. We started getting attacked by the red rouge army rebels. We called in a warship, then the rebels back down. We tested the flight line and the barracks we stayed in, and they both tested positive for agent orange. Agent Orange is still there!! I am too sick to fight the VA ANYMORE!! If we have any rich Veterans that are still fighting to prove agent orange was there, they can fly their and still test the areas because the chemical is still there!! The VA needs to be operated by Veterans only then we all can get treatment and compensation, because the civilian employees don't care about the veterans.

Response by Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller made Jan 22 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-01-22T10:40:44-05:00

Any one who had contact with it SHOULD be INCLUDED.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 22 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-01-22T11:52:17-05:00

My Brother In Law was in USMC Aviation Ordinance in Thailand (Nam Phong) He said that Trucks spread defoilant around the perimeter at least once a week. The photo from his cruise book showed the white film it left on the dirt on the edge of the base,

Response by Robert Harrington made Jan 22 at 2016 6:06 PM

2016-01-22T18:06:09-05:00

My father, Major Bob Harrington was stationed at Korat AFB in 72-73. He was diagnosed with Agent Orange and given a partial disability claim. He passed away 5 years ago. I am looking for anybody who may have been stationed with him during that time in Korat. He was also doing special ops in and around southeast Asia as his Logistics job was only part of what he was really doing. My email address is [login to see] . Please contact me.

Response by CMSgt Raymond Buda made Jan 23 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-01-23T12:08:32-05:00

From what I have read in the past the AF bases at Udorn, Ubon, NKP, and Korat were sprayed with Agent Orange, Also a friend of mind that loaded the C-123's with Agent Orange told me that in the evenings the planes were loaded with mesquito spray but the tanks were never cleaned between missions. If there was some AO still in the tanks they were not drained.

Ray Buda, CMSgt, Ret

Response by Lt Col Frank Hoke made Jan 23 at 2016 9:06 PM

2016-01-23T21:06:23-05:00

The current information on Thailand says you have to prove you were sprayed. Same original parameters for Vietnam Flying B-52s out of Utapao (a base on the list) with planes in the pattern and it misting/lightly raining normally how could one know really if it was AO or just the weather. I can tell you that the airfield was brown -no green vegetation and off the north end of the airfield, the jungle was definitely defoliated. Buddha mountain was barren.

Response by PO3 Jim Crider made Jan 25 at 2016 3:31 AM

2016-01-25T03:31:16-05:00

THE VA TOLD ME THAT I WAS EXPOSED TO AO BUT WON'T GRANT AO COMPENSATION...SO THEY REALLY DON'T CARE ABOUT EXPOSURE.

Response by SSgt Alan Cook made Feb 8 at 2016 5:17 PM

2016-02-08T17:17:23-05:00

yes, it was a defoil agent called agent orange for the orange stripe around the barrel to identify it

Response by 1LT Jennifer Nanni made Mar 17 at 2016 2:37 PM

2016-03-17T14:37:32-04:00

My father supposedly was exposed to but it was never proven. He died in 2001 of heart disease.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Mar 25 at 2016 7:51 PM

2016-03-25T19:51:06-04:00

Yes they were. How do you think the runways and taxy ways clear of vegatation. I was contaminated at U- Tapao Royal Thai navel base, thailand 1973 - 1975.

Response by PO3 Jim Crider made May 11 at 2016 3:57 AM

2016-05-11T03:57:40-04:00

I believe they were

Response by SP5 Ford Ross made May 12 at 2016 12:46 PM

2016-05-12T12:46:16-04:00

We MUST NEVER forget the black ops that sold CB weapons to Pol Pot and the fact that his regime tested our binary mortars on Hmong and the bowmen...

Response by A1C Rogelio Rodriguez made Dec 6 at 2017 12:13 AM

2017-12-06T00:13:02-05:00

Yes, the possibility exists that our veterans were exposed to AO in Thailand. At this time the VA states only those veterans that worked or were present in the perimeter of those bases as named by the VA in Thailand may have been exposed.
As information is coming in there was storage of AO in Thailand as well as AO spraying along the perimeter of the fight line to prevent the enemy from hiding.
In addition those vets that worked in storage of AO dumps/barrels were exposed to AO.

Response by TSgt Richard Brown made Dec 26 at 2017 10:40 AM

2017-12-26T10:40:55-05:00

My name is Richard C. Brown E-6 USAF Retired,
I was stationed at U-Tapao AFB 324 days between Sept.1969 and July 1973.I currently am fighting prostate cancer for the third time and have fought vocal cord cancer four since Sept 1912. I filed disability claim with VA denied. I protested this and Currently my claim is still under review . Anyone have any ideas on how to get some action on my claim.
Thanks
[login to see]
ph# [login to see]

Response by Sgt Ralph Contreras made Apr 8 at 2018 6:44 PM

2018-04-08T18:44:09-04:00

Udorn Thai 67-68 USAF told didn't have boot on the ground going on at least 8yrs no luck. Had stent put in heart, enlarge bladder. spot on my lungs and cysts on my kidneys still fighting. Purple Heart gave up on me now with DAV , told everyone I had boots on the ground two of them.
Ralph Contreras jr
Vet USAF 1964-68 Sgt
JUSMAGTHAI UDORN THAILAND 67-68
Still proud I served my country !!!!!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 9 at 2018 12:20 AM

2018-04-09T00:20:05-04:00

Contact the Agent Orange Vet Group- they had a document written showing the AO, AW,AB was used both CONUS and OCONUS bases for brush control- AW and AB was laying around many bases in Thailand to keep the vegetation back from the runways.

Response by SrA Ken Carroll made May 27 at 2019 11:44 AM

2019-05-27T11:44:10-04:00

Served at Ramasun in Air Force 6924th SS have Parkinsons as a result and have been dealing with VA for 6 years and still no decision.

Response by SrA Ken Carroll made May 27 at 2019 4:28 PM

2019-05-27T16:28:49-04:00

Have any vets exposed AO in thailand received compensation for presumptive diseases?

Response by A1C Riley Sanders made Oct 7 at 2019 10:31 AM

2019-10-07T10:31:10-04:00

The Winds of War and Agent Orange also effected Thailand , would think statistics would support this.

Response by SSgt James McChesney made Jun 17 at 2020 1:59 PM

2020-06-17T13:59:41-04:00

Make sure your rep is Conservative if you truly want help. My husbands was Senator Ted Cruz who helped immediately.

Response by Sgt Bob Leonard made May 2 at 2022 2:57 PM

2022-05-02T14:57:43-04:00

DON'T GIVE UP.
FILE AND SUBMIT THE PAPERWORK.
EVEN IF THEY TELL YOU THERE'S NO POINT.

My AO story...

I started having neurological symptoms in the mid-1990s (tingling in the extremities, slight balance problems). The diagnosis was Multiple Sclerosis(MS), even though the symptoms didn't correlate with any of the typical patterns of MS symptoms. Since I had spent a year in the Theater of Operations (UTapao, Thailand, FEB73-JAN74), I wondered...

When I went to the local VA office to initiate a claim (late 1990's, early 2000's ?), I was told, "Don't bother. Thailand isn't VN. There are no service related disabilities recognized by the VA for service in Thailand." So I shrugged my shoulders, handed the blank forms back to the nice lady, and walked away. In the course of time, the symptoms got visibly worse and I had to go on (civilian) disability.

A young friend of mine, a Veteran of one of the sandbox operations, had lived in a hooch (is that term still used?) that was downwind of a burn pit. Short story, he came down with neurological and psychological symptoms shortly after returning. He applied for and received benefits, and encouraged me to check again because the list of VA recognized causes was constantly being updated. So I did.

The list had been updated to include service in Thailand, for the dates I was there, covering MS, presumed to be caused by AO. After some dithering back and forth with them, the VA approved benefits for me. Huzzah!

Here's the catch, though: the benefits were retroactive TO THE DATE I SUBMITTED PAPERWORK, not the date of the onset of symptoms!!! If I had filled out the paperwork and handed it in the first time, even knowing it wouldn't be approved at that time, the benefits would have been retroactive to THAT date. Because of that, I missed out on several years worth of benefits. C'est la guerre. C'est la paix. C'est la vie.

So, what the deal is? File an application for disability compensation as soon as you know or suspect you might have a service-connected injury or. disability. Start here...

https://www.va.gov/disability/

Good luck. Glad you made it back.

VA disability compensation | Veterans Affairs

VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans...