Important Update: The VA is still encouraging any veteran who may qualify for PACT Act benefits to apply soon. The deadline for obtaining retroactive pay backdated to August 2022 was August 14th, 2023. Veterans and survivors who missed that deadline can still file for monthly disability support, but if payouts are granted they will begin on the day of their filing.
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In case you missed it, President Biden announced in 2022 that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expanding benefits to veterans who have developed certain respiratory cancers because of their links to exposure to toxic burn pits.
The VA confirmed they are adding nine burn pit-related respiratory cancers to the list of military service-connected disabilities.
The move will make victims eligible for veterans benefits.
In his announcement, Biden stated: “In my State of the Union address, I announced that we would propose expanding disability and health benefits to veterans suffering from nine rare respiratory cancers. Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs is delivering on that promise and upholding that sacred obligation to the women and men who have worn the uniform of our country.”
The nine cancers being added to the list are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea
- Adenocarcinoma of the trachea
- Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea
- Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung
- Large cell carcinoma of the lung
- Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung
- Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung
- Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung
VA will begin processing disability compensation claims for Veterans who served any amount of time in the Southwest Asia theater of operations beginning Aug. 2, 1990, to the present, or Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti beginning Sept. 19, 2001, to the present.
Any Veteran who has or had one of the listed cancers at any time during or after separation from military service may be eligible for disability compensation benefits. VA will contact impacted Veterans and survivors to inform them about their eligibility and will provide information on how to apply.
via U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Biden has previously said he suspected burn pits to be the cause of his son’s brain cancer that led to his death.
“We don’t know for sure if a burn pit was the cause of [Beau’s] brain cancer, or the diseases of so many of our troops,” Biden said. “But I’m committed to finding out everything we can.”
This article originally appeared on USMilitary.org and has been republished with permission.
I think Vietnam veterans should get burned pits disability.
We had burn pits in Vietnam. I had burn pits duty 3 times in Vietnam until I made rank.
this is just a delaying tactic by the government!
like Erin Brockovich said “deny, deny., deny!
the VA is systematically giving all patriotic Americans who fought for their country a second chance to die for their country!
A burn pit is a burn, pit no matter what country you did it in, the toxic effects are the same!
I mean they can talk all the crap they want about commitment to veterans. Got diagnosed with copd . Never smoked a day in my life and spent time in two or so countries listed on their lovely authorized locations. Guess what they stated not service connected.
What about those who were medically retired from military service, the VA picks and chooses which portion of your claim their going to give you a disability rating, setting aside other portions of your claims to gather more medical data, thereby giving you a smaller disability rating. Furthermore, you can’t draw military retired pay and VA disability. It has to be given to the VA.
It’s all a joke. Been denied from all claims that fell under the first Pact Act. When I filed took 10% of my 20% for and upgrade on my sinusitis before the ACT, I have a book of denials, so bottom line at the end of the day hire a lawyer and hopefully they get some back pay so they can get paid and then you can get yours. 20-year US Army Desert Strom Gulf War Veteran
My 1st 2 months of March and April of 1968 while in Vietnam, I was assigned to burn the 7 barrels of human waste in our campsite ( “THE ROCKPILE” )! After I poured the jet diesel fuel in each of the barrels, threw in a lighted match in each barrel- I asked my trainer if I get a mask to wear and he said- “JUST SQUINT YOUR EYES- HOLD YOUR BREATH & TAKE THIS 5’ WOODEN STICK AND STIR THE CONTENTS UNTIL ITS ALL ASHES” – gross!
Ralph Vander Loop
3/9 Motor Pool- Truck Driver
so sad. thank you for your service. my husband was a VV vet. did medic front line He died from pancreatic cancer and had skin issues doc could not figure out. Agent Orange. Country owes all you guys more than you get!!!
I served in Iraq from 2006 to 2007 in balad anaconda for 18 months when I got back in state side after so many years I saw my doctor and was concerned about my lungs 🫁 I had a black mass but couldn’t diagnose it yet and still can’t tell what it is I would like to find out what it is I am 62 about to turn 63 in February I hope I can live much longer than enticipated hope I can get some kind of answer I served 23 years
I know what you are going through. I didn’t have any problems breathing before I went to Iraq, but now I have a cpap machine and been diagnose with pulmonary problems that if wasn’t for my wife making me going to her PCP I wouldn’t known about it. The V. A. knew about it for at least a year and they never told me about it. Now I’m on a inhaler that I have to take me when we go out. Just like I will turn 63 this year. I done the burn pit questionary at least twice and still haven’t heard nothing about it.
Get in touch with the American Legion at the closest VA hospital. The first thing say to you, we don’t work for the VA but the Veteran! They were wonderful helping my deceased Vietnam Marine 100% disability. It is helping me. I cannot guarantee they will resolve your challenges but cannot go wrong. Another raise Cain with your local state representatives. They can help. I am assuming you have filed with SS disability correct? Please find me and maybe give you directions. Did my husband SS 100% and Am Legion and I did his too. Semper Fi. [email protected]
Same problems and response from VA even though they have me on a CPAP machine, bronchial dialators, and rescue inhalers. Served 1990 to 1991 in Desert Storm.
Please go to different doctors until you get the diagnosis. A black mass is not normal. Definately file VA form 21-4138 and 21-526 EZ stating your intent to file for a black mass in your lungs secondary to burn pit exposure .
What about other burn pit issues? My husband had no breathing issues before his multiple deployments to the dessert, now he has to have a CPAP machine to sleep at night, has periodic coughs and a scratchy throat a lot of the time. Between the talcum powder fine sand they had to breath and the burn pits too it causes him a lot of issues.
I know how you feel;I was there and now I have panic attacks and trouble breathing at times but I don’t sleep with a cpap machine
i put in for service connected for sleep apnea with the pact act after being deployed in iraq they diagnosed me with obstructive sleep apnea without service connected said i need a cpac they gave me 80% for severe dry eye 30% for chronic sinusitis 70% combat ptsd 40% hearing loss 10% bilateral tinnitus 20% herniation with radiculopathy with 100% service connected combined with p@t do not give up put in for everything you think you may have most they can do is deny look into putting in for anxiety,depression,and psychatic disorder any of this can get you 100%
Find an American Legion at the VA. You can have over 100% with your disabilities BUT when going for 100%, the mental portion is 50% and you must past that. I can give some suggestions but not here as worked on my husband. When you can read up on everything PTSD and anger then anger towards giving you the exam. A lot of men don’t talk or aware but ED is a lost appendage which was 10%. Get you a urologist there, many things including implants to help ED. Maybe tell friends as a private but a very “Depressing for mental dealing “ if understand previously? Please get AM legion and do exactly what they say. Also you need to request ALL your records, physically and mentally from day 1 at the VA. Say 6 months at a time, printed! If no SS disability, you have records but get all from VA First as your proof for SS. Let me know if can help. As husband, Semper FI
I need your rep…the also have me on medication for ptsd and insominia which c&p doc indicated on report is a result of service in Desert Storm….Denied that also.
I had to have a triple bypass in the VA sent me to a specialist for them to examine me to see if I had any artery problems. What kind of joke is this?
Unfortunately, DoD Civilians who were stationed in these areas are not included in the expanded benefits. They are told to file Workers’ Compensation claims which are impossible to get covered. My good friend is a veteran and DoD Civilian who was stationed under orders from the US Government. Since he was not there as a soldier but rather a GS-13 Civilian he does not qualify.
When are Veterans that were Government Contractors working on Air Force & other services contracts going to be covered under the same benefits
But didn’t the SCOUS just pass a ruling that you only had one year to claim on any Heath issue for Veterans Coverage??
Why do Veterans have to fight the VA for years before they get what they deserve? It’s like after mom
nth and months of waiting, then get denied. Many of us had injuries 40-50 years ago, that are now really coming to bother, hurt us. Our government still denying that there was no AO on Okinawa, when there are Marines who documented that they offloaded barrels off of ships. Hell barrels of Chemicals have been unearthed that were buried there. YET, our government will not admit it! Why?? They wait until many or most have died off before giving in to the truth. Come across the southern border and you get treated better than any Vet.
I just started using the VA clinic and hospitals in the Chicago area. What a F’in joke that place is. The entire VA system needs to be fixed along with our so called government , which SUCKS!!!!!
I was sent to Europe when I enlisted, then sent to Europe when President Johnson had us declared surplus so we could be sent to Vietnam as non war and told on vacation when wounded! Tfg did same and his horrible actions have been corrected but us? Burn pits started in Vietnam, but we are next to last to be recognized?
because ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS are the new Chosen ethnic group and BLACK Reparation payments are a greater priority to the stupid, dementia ridden Joe CHINA FIRST Xiden are of greater importance than you brave Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force veterans. FJB
Oh good grief. Get some help for your anger issues. When did BLACK people get reparations? You obviously have no clue what our President has done for Veterans – definitely more than Chump Cheeto. Get your facts together and get out of your feelings
I am a Vietnam vet with a number of medical issues that can be related to that service and various other duty tour locations. My biggest issue with the va beyond the questionable and confusing process for reviewing or upgrading a disability rating is the extensive time it takes just to get an appointment with a GP let alone the years involved in a referral to a specialist within the va system.
I know what there alligator about I feel they really don’t care about the vets it’s your trouble you deal with it but that is not what they promised all of the vets we gave all we had to come home to get this type of help William usmc
I can’t understand why the pact act doesn’t include Germany the water there was far worst than at camp Lejune.. It seems like a cover up by the military.
No real expansion of benefits here, just pandering to a wider group of Vets. I was near pits and got Cancer, I’ve been turned down repeatedly. The reason for rejections of my claims is that I didn’t go near burn pits in the approved theater, and did not get the correct cancer.
👍
I went to the VA clinic in Jonesboro Ar on the 3 of February trying to get a different medication to replace Valium that I get from a doctor out in town. It costs me $195.00 2 or 3 times a year for a 3.00 $ prescription. The VA won’t give me Valium because I’m 76 years old. I called the VA pharmacy and the clinic here never ordered the medicine was never ordered.I’m 100% PT and actually are at about 300%.I’m 100%for ptsd and the other things like TBI type 2 diabetes and neuropathy I’m pissed and I don’t understand I’m on the agent orange list now they want us to get on they want . Us to apply for the Pact Act for what:)
I
How do. You get on the agent orange have cancer in different points on the body.
101st airborne camp eagle 69-70
Find a service officer in the VFW, American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America or a county & State service Office.
What happen to the vietnam vets that burned the pits
Yes, I’m a Viietnam Vet and I would like to know also.
Seems like the Vietnam Vets get ignored-
Yes there were burn pits in Viet Nam as well. But as usual we are the forgotten Veterans, and the Veterans Administration is basically just waiting for all of us to just die off. Every day they would burn our human waste in drums, with fuel oil. And usually it was done within range of the mess hall. So just imagine how well our food tasted.
Yeah, and we were required to stand there and continually stir the burning mess with a paddle to be sure it burned completely. Always felt sick after each poop duty.
Unfair what do they care
During my first tour in Qui Nhon, RVN we employed two young locals who were glad to have a good-paying job with the “Privy Drums”.. We gave them Army fatigues with name tags: “S–T BURNER ONE” and “S–T BURNER TWO”. !
Same thing in DS. Was on shit burning detail and it took all day. Stirring and stirring until it all turned to ash.
Veterans will eat dirt they say
Yes I burn wast in the barrels
Ralph @
Camp Rockpile-VN
I was assigned to burn 7 barrels of human waste the first 2 mos.
In VN.
Poured
the diesel fuel in,
threw the lighted
match in, stirred the contents with a
wooden
stick, no
mask, just squint your eyes, hold your breath & stir
until ashes,
dig a
hole &
bury all
the ashes &
cover with ground from hole! I
suffer many disabilities for 55+ yrs. & now need to file a claim for compensation?
my husband was vietnam vet he passed away nov 4th .he was 100% .
ya we did that in chu lai in 1966
SO DID WE IN DONG HA 67
They are covered through Agent Orange
THAT IS FALSE!!! i HAVE SOME COVERAGE FROM agent orange for the shopping list of medical problems i have but the VA denies me any claim for burn pits.
in vietnam most camps or bases had burnpits and there was always a private tending to them for hours. churning the burning waste mixed with diesel fuel and god only knows what else in there
I want to start out by acknowledging this administrations has done far more good for Veterans’ than any or administrations.
With that said , there seems to be a double standard for Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure Vet’s , Many are eligible for healthcare at VA facilities then denied disability compensation. I truly believe it’s time to fully investigate potential medical conditions linked to the water contamination. As well as coverage under the PACT ACT not a separate category. I am a Vet , who is speaking up for my older brother a Marine Corp Vet. My brother is a Colon Cancer Survivor and now receives dialysis three times a week because of kidney failure. He’s on the kidney transplant list, my brother may die without receiving any disability compensation for his exposure at Camp Lejeune. That’s a crime being committed against him and his wife. Lets do right for OUR ALL VET’S. We enlist to honor and protect this country now it’s time the government honor and protect the VET’S and their FAMILIES
Very true!!!!
Veterans who rely on the VA for full medical care should also receive dental care. Only those who are 100% disabled and/or who’s disability is dental related receive dental care. Health care professionals agree poor oral health can have a significant negative effect on overall health. Neglecting oral health can contribute to a myriad of health problems including bacterial pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer. H.R. 96 authorizing the VA to provide dental care to all veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system died before being passed. Now POTUS and VA are ignoring the need for complete and comprehensive medical care.
Thanks america
As a 100% disabled combat vet who relies on the VA for my medical, the dental benefits are a joke. The time delay makes their services useless. 7 years for a bridge. A year and a half for a root canal to be fi ished.
Yeah, Been there and got the tee shirt. I finally gave up for the sake of my sanity. Two years to be fitted for dentures that I never got. I hope it’s gotten better but somehow, I doubt it.
I agree. I have an autoimmune disease that attacks my mouth. Salivary glands are all dried up. The VA will treat my dry eyes, my dry skin, my lung problems, but not my mouth! The disease is systemic but the VA just looks at my various symptoms and cherry-picks what to treat. Someday they will be forced to treat the disease as a whole, but perhaps not in time for me.
.
I feel like; that’s gotta get addressed. That applies to a lot of diseases contracted while active duty. I have Phlebitis in my veins of both my legs; contracted while I was in the USAF. I’ve 2 operations ; 2 separate occasions, and gotten only 10% . They say” you’ve support hosiery and you can sit down and prop your feet up. I work at Walmart as a cashier. Even with standing on arugdoesnt help. Not always do customers want you to be able to come out scan big items in their buggies. With this disease if you can’t do much walking and not daylight time to go walking after work; how does that help. That kind of thing can have blood clots go to your lungs and kill you!!!
I AGREE! PRISONERS GET DENTAL CARE & SO DO PEOPLE ON WELFARE!!!
Will,
Dental care is not what we wish it could be. After many years, finally I was rated at 100% disability last August 2022. Immediately contacted the only VA clinic that provides dental care in my area (38 miles from home). The best appointment I could get was for March 1, 2023. On that appointment they took a full range of X-rays and was scheduled the next appointment 2 1/2 months later (May 15) and finally a dental cleaning scheduled on June 16. Almost a year later!. I am afraid that if it takes that long to get appointments, they don’t have that many dentists available.
We do, I am 100% P&T and I get dental. Va has offered it for few years now.
How about us non-combat vets in the 70’s that trained, served, and had to live in old WWII era barracks full of asbestos? My lung problems are all diagnosed by VA, still no compensation. SAD!!!
I ended up getting an attorney. The RO will continue to dent at every opportunity
Ya been trying to get disability sense 1980 now still no answeres and have stage 4 cancer was denied
Write directly to the White House. Worked for me in the last Administration.
I was in charge of Burn Pits in Vietnam, 65, 67, for my Artillery Battery; had to burn unused
power bags following a fire mission. (Echo Battery 2nd Battalion 12th Marines, Dong Ha Vietnam)
A lot of health issues developed over the years, but, was told last week by the VA that I am
not eligible for any compensation.
The Regional VA office is going to re apply.
I will keep you posted if I get any where with the VA in Chicago.
Semper Fi to all who served.
Tom
Go to the American Legion.
What about Vietnam vets that burned shitter’s and used Diesel fuel along with powder chargers that were used in artillery mission?
Kilo battery 4th Battalion 11th Marines 1st Marine Division
When I spent all of 1970 in Vietnam, I spent much time on 4 different bases in all 4 corps of the country. Every base had numerous burn pits for garbage, human waste and the smell of rotten eggs was constant all day. Joe O’Biden wanted Beau to go down in history as the guy who helped start “The Burn Pit” help medical clause.
As usual the Vietnam veteran is still the Forgotten ones. We will always be the last on the list because that was an unpopular War I guess they’re just waiting for the rest of us to die off. Most of us in Vietnam was exposed to all kinds of chemicals including the burn pits most units and companies had to burn pits near the barracks where we burned trash and human waste damn near 24/7 now most of that stuff on the list I’ve never even heard of before that’s probably why they listed it as rare but what about those of us that was exposed to those burn pits and are barely able to breathe now. I guess we’ll never know as long
Same here James. Vietnam service 1968-1969. Exposed to Agent Orange, Burn Pits contamination plus a million other agents plus the horrors of combat. I was only 19 then, now suffering the consequences. The only one in my family with all kinds of illnesses. I guess in their infinite wisdom chemicals only affected people after Desert Storm ?
I was in Iraq in early 2002. I was hit by an IED, transcected artery, TBI, I was back out on the line 6 days later. Only to stay in that hell hole for a total of 13months. We had to burn all our shit. Sleeping in the same buildings we pulled bodies out before. I think we had it good compared to our Brothers who gave everything in Nam and got no kinda warm welcome as we did. Who got no love after they gave it all out there in the jungle. I wish there was something I could do for you guys. All i can do is say i can only just begin to know what you are goin thru barely begin! I had 9 KIA’s by the time i was 20. My wife cheated left me and found someone else, we were told 90 days tops. 13 months later. My daughters in school in a different co. I was stationed overseas so she went back home. So I was alone the rest of my tour. Still im here to say i have nothing but RESPECT and I wished it could’ve been different for you guys!! You, and your negative experiences were what made us be able to come home to such a loving USA. I got nothing but love for you guys! If i had any kinda pull or power i would do everything to see your guys words and stories get heard! Thank you for you service!!!!
THANK YOU
Just a reminder to everyone who keeps saying the Vietnam war was never welcomed home needs to remember the Gulf war, during our parade, Everyone of us gave that to the Vietnam vets so they have their welcome home. As for the war on terror I retired in 08 and am still waiting for a thank you parade at least a symbolic one.
Ya been trying to get disability sense 1980 now still no answeres and have stage 4 cancer was denied well said
I HAVE BEEN DENIED ALL MEDICAL BENEFITS SINCE 1970. When I got out of. The service. The reason by the VA is I make to much money if 2000 a month is to much they should try live on it
Oh my desert storm Veteran, I served as a combat medic and Desert Storm Desert shield. During the war who expose two weeks at a time burning or wells continuously and yes we had to burn early feces and trash constantly and works post to many other things to include the pills they were giving us for biological chemical warfare. A lot of us have side effects, as for me i. I have an auto immune disease degenerative joint throughout my body excruciating pain I am being treated for it but I know your pain.
I applied for benefits for the burn pit issue before it came out, I haven’t heard anything in over a year from the VA .
I’m wondering if I should get a lawyer or contact the VA again which I’ve contact them several times already.
This past year.
Sincerely
US combat medic
storm/Shield
Robert De Los Santos
I contacted Legal Help For Veterans (800) 693-4800 to get back disability pay.
They may be able to help you out.
Yes, an attorney. They will review your case free
I have to take a legal counselor to fix my issues. I paid them $5000 to get all paper work done for me and to expedite my claim. I finally got 100% after 4 years of painful communications with the VA. They ignored me for more then 4 years before they finally settled down with my applications for compensations. Without legal counselor I probably still fighting for my comp.
Alvin, I was station at two Airforce bases. One was Shemya Airforce Base from 1967 to 1968, 13 months. And station at Norton Airforce Base for two years. Both of those bases have shut down due to chemical issues and bad drinking water. I an having all kinds of health problems after leaving the service. Kidney failure, Chronic Headaches and Neurologiccal Disorder.
Hello Alvin, I too was exposed to chemicals in Viet Nam from 1969 to 1971 (Agent Orange). I am totally disabled as a result. I have Cronic Peripheral Neuropathy. I have lost the use of both legs and have only about 5%use of my hands. The VA gives me great health care.,
They have provided me with mobility chairs and pretty much anything I need. My disease has not been recognized as a service connected. Life goes on. Thank you for your service.
From 1963 to 1969 I served Active Duty in the US Navy, and two years at Port Hueneme on PT Boats and YFU Boats. At times on shore, we had to serve Nigh Watches (Security Watches) patrolling the docks where the boats were tied up and also along the Boat House and other buildings. So, we had to maintain Security Logs. At time I would just fall asleep writing in the logs while thinking what to write about night watches. One time I was reported falling asleep on watch and had to be brought up on a Captain Mass. Found guilty of sleeping on watch. Had to serve two weeks extra duty. My question is back in the 1960’s no one knew about SLEEP APNEA. In 2011 I was found to have SEVERE AGGRAVATED SLEEP APNEA. Can I be compensated by the Military for being punished for a MEDICAL SICKNESS that I had instead of being almost Court Martialed for Medical Issues.
If you can show that it is service related. However, you will need more than showing you went to sleep on guard duty a long time ago.
Why should any veteran have to seek legal help to get anything done by the VA? The VA has some good points, well a few, but needing legal help to get something a veteran has earned is as ridiculous as buying oil from Iran.
Totally agree with your post. Also their job should be that of trying to get you the help, equipment and compensation the veteran so dearly needs.
I asked about increasing my DR. VA sent me a pack of papers with vague instructions. Might as well have been written in Greek.
Yesterday congress passed a bill that will hire 87,000 new IRS agents. What if they had hired 87,000 VA Support Center Counselors who’s sole job was to help vets fill out paperwork and help them get what they deserve.
There is a person who is helping me a the DAV. Have you tried those people?
I agree I had liver problems caused by my high creatinine level more almost a year or more but I was never referred to a vascular surgeon. I filed a claim when I found out the artery was blocked going into the right kidney by an vascular surgeon out side the VA.my claim was disapproved after I filed .
file again do not give up, I know it is hard and time consuming but, in the end, it is worth it. I am a Gulf War vet exposed to chemicals and burn pits the VA has been great with my treatment. You have a few that don’t give a damn but, those others will fight tooth and nail to get you the help you need.
I agree with you 100% Pete I thought the VA for almost 50 years. Every single claim I turned in was denied they finally gave me a rating and denied every other claim that was turned in the one main claim I’m still fighting I was involved in a rollover accident on duty after I came back from Vietnam I’ve had problems with my lower back ever since yet the VA still denies it but they turn around and give me 70% for PTSD but they pay me at the 100% for unemployability. It was not the money I was after it was the fact that I am unemployable because of the PTSD and the lower back entry. Even then I still do not get my full benefits so yeah why should I have to get a lawyer to get the benefits that I earned
Do not use Vet Law in DC. They do not listen to you and file the wrong things and will screw things you!
Go with the DAV rep they helped me and did not take long.
There is clearly a bundle to know about this. I believe you made various good points in features also.
Disabled Veterans of Ft MCCLELLAN has been one of the most ignored cases in the last 30 years when it comes to toxic exposure. It seems like they never existed
“The invisible soldiers of toxic exposures “
Mc CLELLAND is probably the most toxic Ever !!!
I definitely agree with you. I was there in 1975. They deliberately leave us out.
I agree 100%!!! I was stationed at Ft. McClellan, Alabama for my WAC (Women’s Army Corps) Basic Training in Sept. 1977. I was on this toxic military base for 8 weeks drinking the contaminated water, rolling in the contaminated soil during PT & bivouac.
Ft. McClellan is toxic due to various chemical leakage. One of them being AO (Agent Orange). I believe radiation is also involved too. It was closed down in 1999. Thousands of soldiers & their loved ones have been exposed. Many have died from strange illnesses or diseases. The civilian town of Anniston outside of Ft. McClellan, Alabama were compensated. None of our soldiers have been taken care of!
I had breast cancer in 2016. There is NO history of breast cancer in my family. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or take illegal drugs. I lost both of breasts! My VA hospital surgeon stated I had to have a bilateral mastectomy (surgical removal of both breasts) to save my life.
I applied to the VA several years ago for my breast cancer & I was denied! Why do the U.S. Marines get VA help & benefits due to Camp Lejeune toxic exposure? Do we not all serve together in the U.S. military? The branch or military base should not matter! We all served! We all deserve to be taken care of. Where is the justice????
I agree with you I served in the M.C. and stationed at camp Lejeune for 51/2 years and va told I don’t have to do anything, I have a lots of issues with my bones and joints, difficulties when swallow and still saying is not related.
I was also at Ft McClellan from Oct 13 1964-March 1965 for basic and CTC. I didn’t know until 4 years ago that I was exposed to all that stuff. That explains all my health issues ai have had all my life after my discharge. I was raised on an organic farm and was a healthy 98 lb girl who had been to see a doctor only once in my whole life and I was too small to remember. I got out Oct 1966 . In Nov of 1966, I went to a doctor to get some birth control pills because we had just gotten married in Sep. The doctor discovered a big goiter on my thyroid. Have been on meds for over 45 years. Then I had lung issues all my life, bronchitis, pneumonia asthma. I have COPD and have never smoked, lost a kidney to cancer in 1993 even though I don’t have the cancer gene. I have Sleep Apnea, Type 2 diabetes, severe arthritis and my mobility is very bad. I applied for benefits in 2020, received a denial letter the end of 2022, the reason, ” you did not have these issues while in the military.” So bogus. My husband applied at the same time. He went from 0-100% in 2 months. They told me that they didn’t was to work on my case during COVID. We were right in the middle of Covid when they sent my husband to all the doctors. Then I got attorneys Hill and Ponton. l got a denial letter saying they couldn’t find what company I was in at Ft McClellan, duh, it says on my DD214 that I was at Ft McClellan. I was denied on all issues. None of my 6 siblings nor my parents have/had any of these issues. My 80 year old brother doesn’t take one prescription and does not have any gray hair. Two of my brothers are diabetic, both were in the Navy, one in Vietnam. SO I talked to a VSO from Phoenix, AZ. She didn’t even try to get my records so now I have had to request them and basically have to prove that I was exposed to those like 4 pages of toxins.
Now have to go through the whole thing again. I will be 77 in October.
Congress refuses to work for us. This issues has been before Congress several times. God bless you for your service. Like you, I say, Where is the justice for us?
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WHAT!?!? YOU DIDNT KNOW THE BENEFITS OF A VA HOME LOAN? ILL TELL YOU WHAT THEY ARE,(KEEP READING IF YOU CARE OR DARE). Theres a little clause in a va home loan….if your home goes to auction because of a forclosure….(stay with me here), the va gets to tell your mortgage company the maximum amount they can bid!!!! Which means when no one bids higher than that amount,(here is the BIG BENEFIT!!!) THE DAMN VA SWOOPS IN TO BUY YOUR PRIDE AND JOY FOR THAT LOW LOW PRICE!!! THATS RITE, THE PLACE YOUVE PAID ALL YOUR MONEY YOU RECIEVE IN COMPENSATION FOR GETTING BLOWN UP IN COMBAT AND LIVING OFF OF MRE’S AND MISSING THE BIRTH OF YOUR ONLY CHILD SO U CAN ADD FREEDOM TO ANOTHER NATION…….THE VA GETS IT IF LIFE LEAVES YOU UNABLE TO PAY YOUR MORTGAGE FOR A FEW MONTHS!! Now if that doesn’t sound beneficial, well you better just go back to school. A few of you might say, ” but hey! I’m guaranteed a free and competitive auction so as to make sure its sold for nothing less than what I’ve made my house worth through thousand of hours of my hard work sweat and blood and sinking every penny of my disability money into this thing!? NO, NOPE, UH AND NOPE. SO as you might guess, I recieved no help from the VA when I informed them that my loan servicer was selling my loan to a company with a bad reputation for taking people’s homes without offering proper alternatives, even though the va has to approve the transfer of any va loan they said nothing they could do and I begged them please dont let this company take my loan. Well I’m not gonna give up yet there are many legitimate reasons I should be able to keep my home so I will continue. If anyone knows a real person that can help or if anyone wants info on how to keep yourself out of this situation 7079513832.
Thanks for your time and consideration
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Please tell me what loan company this is so I can be weary of doing business with them. I’m with Penny Mac now, it transferred from Veterans United. It’s a damn shame us vets that saw combat for our country can’t be compensated for the horrors of war and the opening of capitalism for a third world country.
Call your Congressman or woman! They can help and it’s their job to do so.
Try calling the White House VA hotline (202) 456-1414 and contacting the VA Inspector General 1 (800) 488-8244 https://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/default.asp in addition to your elected officials at the national level especially during their election year.
Discharged June ’64. Early ’65 started seeing a Civilian doctor for a “growth” on my neck and having a hard time with breathing & loosing weight He was no help so my Dad (Army) physically took me to VA.
An hour later scheduled for Thyroid surgery…Cancerous. (At that time we didn’t know about AO issues) I’ve filed 3 times & still hit a brick wall. I occasionally served on a river BOAT in Nam. They keep asking me name of SHIP. Can’t get them to understand you can put a BOAT on a SHIP, but not a SHIP on a BOAT!!
John, call Berry law firm at 888-883-2483, and see if the can help you. Good look
Contact a local Disabled American Veterans office if you can. Pray this helps.
https://www.dav.org/
I remember doing the burn pit detail was not fun.
I’m on the registry also. I wonder what kind of future surprises I’ll recieve from the shit hole I was stuck in
Just a show!
After a year I still can not get my military record.
Me either … Plus 2 years …
.
I have been try to get my SRB for over ten years!
Sharon Davenport
The president of the United States has to approve Gulf War Military Records to be released, because of top secrets missions. Hope this help. MS
That is not true. I was in Gulf War and after. I was a CTR every mission was classified and I had no problem getting records and the President never signs anything. Curious who told you this. But anyway you can contact the records directly and release them.
The president of the United States has to approve Gulf War Military Records to be released, because of top secrets missions. Hope this help. MS
I remember being in charge of the shit burning detail FB Stinson.LOL
Yeah, I remember that too
I was on a lot of shit burning details Korea , shouldn’t we be looked at also?
did the same in NAM do we get anything
I was in the jungles of Vietnam for a year. I lost two toes of Cancer, Melanoma which is also not on the list of problems due to Agent Orange. I was told my Melanoma was definitely was from Vietnam. My melanoma was from the War, yet the VA will not address the issue. The doctors claimed my condition was very rare and caused from Vietnam.
It is bullshit that they have not given you the AO benefit. I am fighting for mine from being aboard the USS Halsey which is on the list and all they do is keep denying it.
I was on the Halsey also in 1969 and have thyroid issues.
Have your doctor write you a NEXUS letter that states your condition was do to you tour of duty in Nam!
One Parasite that has not been approved is Liver Fluke. A parasite that attacks the liver, which was in Vietnam War. Why has this not added to the list. Its killing many Vietnam vets.
I was 17 when I joined the US Air Force. I was a medic. My first two years were working in Labor n Delivery n Newborn Nursery. This was in the 70’s, before Universal Precautions were implemented. I had to mouth suction the newborns eyes, ears nose n throat with a suction delee, a device that captures the amniotic fluids in a little bottle while using mouth suction. It is known that women have HPV in their vaginas, hence the PAP smears routinely done for female physicals. I was diagnosed with HPV squamous cell cancer of my tonsil n tongue many years later after my discharge. I was denied my claim because I was not diagnosed with HPV Human Papilloma Virus before I was honorably discharged. There is no PAP smear tests done on men, nor is there any HPV test done on men that I know of. I did not have any symptoms of any kind at the time. I was treated for the cancers, but still have many side effects left from the radiation n chemo, Weak joints, fatigue, osteoarthritis n stenosis of my spine, but yet they contend I must have contracted it sexually!!! As though I was totally promiscuous and have had a multitude of partners by the age of 17!!! I joined the military to escape living in poverty at the time!!! But according to the VA, I was a Cassanova, a veritable Don Juan, wining n dining women and having sex like Rasputin at the age of 17!!! And I have documentation to prove how one can get infected by using a suction delee. On conclusion I came away with is the VA panel who make these decisions must have feces (shit) for brains…
Thank you Dan for your service. As a Vietnam vet we know beauracratic and incompetent our goverment is. . .
I’m rated at 60% because of AO and I have Chronic Heart Disease. I had my right Kidney removed because of cancer and I am now considered to have Chronic Kidney Disease. I’ve submitted my paperwork to the VA to try to get a higher rating. VA has denied my request, saying that when I left the service…..I WASN’T DIAGNOSED WITH KIDNEY CANCER, so therefore my request is denied”.
I have been denied everything. I lost a kidney to cancer in 1993, don’t have the cancer gene. I have COPD, never smoked, developed into Sleep Apnea. . thyroid disorder with goiter and nodules. Type 2 diabetes, severe arthritis with very bad mobility.
Was stationed at Ft McClellan for 5 months. Had that toxic chemical weapons dept .
My husbands issues didn’t show up for 35 years and he went from 0-100% in 2 months.
Blessings to you.
We the few: serving the many thankless, appreciate the table scraps and like a good dog we retreat to our corner when the work is done and die quietly as not to offend the buffered citizen.
God forbid the public acknowledgement they’ve failed their end of the bargain.
Ever conflict is fought by those foolish enough to think its honorable to serve and then duped into belief it matters to someone. In the end we all get lied to, under appreciated and we will continue to pass on the legacy to our children’s children.
Bark! Woof!
You are spot on with this.Me (army)and my brother(airforce) can vouch for that!!!!
VA loan programs are nothing but a refinance based on equity you have. I have that offer us what we don’t have.
They should pay our house off i been through three refinances and I see no help.
Same situation here. I am selling my home (VA Loan) to move into a handicap friendly home and am getting no where with a new VA loan, Bunch of paperwork and hogwash now. Ridiculous. I will find myself homeless in a short time. So much for our veteran benefits..
I did not see anything about the Ft.McClellan Toxic Waste Exposure as stated in H.R. Bill 3967 Section 703 passed by the The House. We were exposed to contaminated soil and water due chemicals leaking into the soil. Camp Legume got it. The town of Anniston won their law suit what are we soldiers who were stationed from 1955-1991 nothing but trash? We don’t count? When are we going get our day? We have health issues too.
Exactly. I was at Ft McClellan also. Since I’ve been diagnosed with stage three gleason 8 prostate cancer, chronic lung disease and am on 3 liters of oxygen, chronic heart disease, nerve damage and that’s just some of the issues. And the “VA” claims there’s nothing they can do or will do. Agent Orange they say is a meth so why did they send 16 years ( 1999-2015 ) cleaning Ft McClellan up. There are three words the VA has to skip over Vietnam and Agent Orange.
The v.a.is a joke you try to get anything done they make you jump through hoops and loopholes until you either give up and quit trying or die , that’s why I can no longer trust a politician or pretty much anyone in the government but I still love this country
Amen brother..keep pushing brother.
I buried Agent Orange in Okinawa, we were the main area to ship it while you were allowed. PP&P Camp Foster.. I reported it to all my superiors. I was told we could no longer fly it off the island, I was then told to bury it. I have lots of problems, osteoarthritis, copd, large cysts appear on my groin, above my eye, and neck and back. Some were the size of 2 goofballs.
I think this new law about burn pit is about time our President is doing something. In 1968, I burned human waste in Vietnam. I didn’t have any cancer symptoms until 50 something years had past. All my BROTHERS AND SISTERS thank you for your service.
I have been fighting the Va for 100% disability for 20 years. In Hawaii after being stuck at 10% for years, I was helped by Sen. Daniel Inouye to get 80 %. I have at least 9 of the 14 side effects from Agent Orange and they keep telling me not service connected. Pure BS.
I need to know if the Veterans Administration is aware that Veterans that have received a mobility van for their disabilities have no vehile insurance that will cover their vehicles if they are every involved in a vehicle accident and the vehicle will have to be in the shop for repairs. The insurance company will not pay yo get a replacement mobility van so the Veterans would be able to make appointments or other necessity travel. 🤔🤔 ” Why”
When will the current administration recognize the importance and impact of providing dental care to all veterans receiving their healthcare through the VA? Health care professionals agree poor oral health can have a significant negative effect on overall health. Neglecting oral health can contribute to a myriad of health problems including bacterial pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer. The current provision to provide dental services only to those veterans who have either a 100% disability rating or a service-connected dental disability directly requiring dental care and treatment falls short. The VA is ignoring the need for complete and comprehensive medical care — to include routine dental care along with restorative and corrective care for those veterans who are not 100% disabled and who’s disability is not dental related and also rely on the VA for full medical care..
I agree 100 %. The dental requirements are a bunch of BS.
Hey, you are right. I too need dental coverage. I am rated at 90% but it’s next to impossible to get a 10-point elevation in rating.
call legal help for veterans and they work hard for you. if you have a case, they will fight for you.. they only get paid 20% if you get paid.. very helpful for me
You are absolutely right..Besides all of the things you mentioned, don’t forget about self esteem and depression. Most ppl are VERY self conscious about how their teeth look. How is this not a problem? The VA is really not for the veterans. Dental coverage for ALL vets is a no brainier.
NOTHING WILL BE DONE WITH ALL OF US VETERANS ONLY VOICING CONCERNS IN PRIVATE GROUP OR BLOGS. WE NEED TO START PROTESTING IN BIG GROUPS AT THE CAPITAL & AT OUR OWN LOCAL VA’S FOR MEDIA COVERAGE. THAT’S THE ONLY WAY I SEE ANYTHING HAPPENING! ALSO, I BELIEVE VETERANS WHO DO NOT WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GI BILL SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A HOME!
All VA Mortgage companies are not in the Veterans Best Interest. Being a 100% disabled veteran does not help at all, Nor does a Purple Heart. As a first time home buyer that paid $22.000.0” up front to later find out that less than $7,000.00 went toward the purchase of the house. Are there any help for us?
WTF??? So where did the other $15,000 go??
You need to get your paperwork and look at it as a disabled veteran you don’t have to put anything down unless you are buying points for a lower interest rate.