Have you been exposed to a toxic substance during your service? If so, you may be eligible for VA benefits, even if you have been turned down in the past, and it is important for you to apply now.
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
Join representatives from VA and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for an Instagram Live on May 25 at 2:30 p.m. eastern time, to learn more about this expanded eligibility and what action to take.
How to join the event:
- Prior to the event, follow Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Department of Veterans Affairs on Instagram.
- Open Instagram a few minutes before the event.
- Sign in to your account and click on the home icon.
- When the live broadcast begins, a ring will appear around the WWP profile picture with the word Live, like the picture to the right. Tap or click this to view the video.
You can view the broadcast on the Instagram App or on Instagram.com. See you there!
To learn more about VA benefits that help Veterans earn degrees, start careers, buy homes, stay healthy and more, visit the ChooseVA website. To learn more about the PACT Act, go to the PACT Act website.
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Please make this information more readily available. The majority of Veterans this applies to are not on instagram. Next time, please record the content and post a link for everyone to watch. .
Is anyone from these agencies even reading the comments? It would be appreciated if there was some return communication on this page.
The V.A. is the worst government agency a veterans can deal with .
This is great news for many veterans. I know first hand that veterans have experienced health issues some severe without any concrete diagnosis. I thank those who shown the true value of helping others in need.
Is this available online?
I was responsible for field sanitation and burning our waste on my OP throughout the duration of our deployment in the Sinai Peninsula. This was in 85-86, prior to the dates defined in the PACT Act. I was exposed to toxic fumes just as well. I have multiple respiratory issues including nodules on my lungs. Am I not eligible because of the dates, but still was exposed toxins from burning waste?
I wasn’t able to sign up for Instagram on my PC. Can you help?
IMO:
WWP doesn’t give a damn about WWII, Korean, Vietnam or any other Veteran before 9/11.
All they care about is fooling the civilian populace by using a non specific era term “Veteran” for donations.
Civilians are misled into thinking they are helping all “Veterans” by donating millions of dollar$ into their WWP coffers under this intentional fraud practice.
The upper echelons of WWP are getting wealthy using this fraud tactic,
So Sad!
What about making these accessible to those of us who do not have Instagram?
Right? Who made that dumb decision.
I agree, many people do not have an instagram account. These need to be made available on a more common format used by those of us who use a minimal number of applications and video placed on the VA Website to be viewed later. Unfortunately, the PACT Act does not cover all exposures, even when those exposures have been documented. They finally approved exposure for those of use stationed in Guam, but it cuts off at 1980, the last time it was in use despite the fact that testing conducted in 2019 proved it is still present in the soil and in the aquifer that supplied NAVCAMS WESTPAC and Anderson AFB and also contains the chemicals from the foam the air force base used on the runways for fire control and emergency landings. I doubt any claim I would submit would do anything more than waste my time. If you do not meet the guidelines as designated by the PACT Act there’s no way to sign up or be approved. I also believe there may be additional issues caused from two years of consuming these agents vice inhailation or skin contact. Unfortunately, approving this type of exposure opens a new can of worms due to exposure for many years not only of military personal, but civil service and dependants as well as the local inhabitants being exposed.
I am so tired of applying for my benefits due to my exposure of Agent Orange. I was on line at yankee station on BBC a Destroyer two west packs USS EPPERSON DD 719 gun fire support for our troops while we were “misted” with agent Orange. Until my hair fell out. My first attempt at VA benefits they told me I had “male pattern Baldness”
I have had and presently have Diabetes 2 Melitus as well as Atrial Fribulation and PTSD . I am concerned with what benefits my spouse gets when I pass.
It’s frustrating to apply . I am now and have been since I was discharged from the USN 1969 taking medication for my thyroid , my PTDS and my Diabetes 2 Melitus . Yet VA has denied me benefits for my Agent Orange exposure 1967-to 1969 . I don’t expect much .
These videos need to be made easily available to watch. Many of us do not use social media. This marginalizes many people who would like the information.
Thanks for this effort, but not all vets have access to Instagram. Why would you present such an important topic on such a limited channel? I’m a 76 yr old Vietnam vet who has never used Instagram. BTW, my disability claim due to Agent Orange exposure was denied two months ago.
Please broaden your assumptions.
I was stationed aboard the USS Ranger for 3 1/2 years. Our fresh drinking water was contaminated with JP5 jet aircraft fuel. We drank jet fuel every day. As sn Electronic Technician ET we were commanded to use Techtrochloride to perform our preventive maintenance on electronic equipment. It is classified as a carcinogens, we breathed it daily in closed in spaces. We were forced to live aboard our ship during dry dock and refurbishment of the aircraft carrier….breathing in asbestos unprotected. Breathing in red lead paint dust being chippep off the bulkheads daily. I now have lung disease with spots on my lungs, Cardiac disease, Atrial Fibrillation, migraines, etc.
I filed PACT ACT related claim associated with toxic exposure to Malathion. This pesticide used by military specific to Military working dog handlers. Malathion used to prevent insect infestation. MWD handlers dip dogs routinely causing inhalation exposure, direct skin exposure because applications applied by dipping dogs in tanks filled with chemical. VES exams performed by general practitioners with little to no knowledge of impact Malathion has on dog handlers. Prior to my VES I provided VBA research studies performed by VA,NIH, and CDC outlining complications associated with chronic exposure: hypertension, bronchitis, skin related ailments are just a few example of ailments related to chronic exposure. VBA excludes Veterans opinions (no reasonable doubt in favor of veteran considered) VBA uses non specialist who performed VES as if they’re subject matter experts as opposed to veterans themselves. VES C&P need to be done by specialists who have experience not some IN MY CASE AN ORTHOPEDIST was my VES examiner.
We are all dogs to them now.
Who gets sick or shows signs of toxic or herbal contact within 1 year . Who brained stormed that rule.
AK – heavily contaminated drinking & bathing water- Shemya, Galena, King Salmon & Elmendorf to name just a few. There are “Official” documents, reports, identifying the contaminants and levels. Likelihood that everyone that spent time up there has some illness. Imagine the magnitude and I am only speak of AK. When we raised our hand and took that Oath to serve our Great Country, The United States of America, we did what was required, we took ownership of our duties! Now the US Government needs to take ownership- Do Not Make Us crawl on our knees to be heard and then turn around only to acknowledge those realities, pains and stressors we are living with but then to outright DENY them! Reading these comments you hear So many of the other frustrations and empathize with the sheer exhaustion they too must experience attempting to traverse a path that is set for failure from the beginning….
Tried many times but can’t get in could you contact me by email. Thanks
This is my concern how many people show signs of health issues 1 year after being exposed to toxins ,herbicides , besides if anything minor showed who would know what was going on with their body at which most of us were still young and there’s not a lot of health problems that pop up,
Myself I didn’t realize my feet were going numb till approximately 11 years after being in country. Didn’t know what I had till somewhere around 2007 and didn’t understand what neuropathy was” thought it was my brain “ , but after learning what was going on being tested several ways I applied for compensation twice and denied, now I’m on my third try with the pact act and at a point maybe not being to drive , it causes balance issues and striking pain at times. Doesn’t run in my family at all , plus I can go down the line cancer from my face to my entire body being checked ,at one time every 6 months , and then prostate cancer , hyprothyroidism all AGENT ORANGE presumptives
I don’t have Instagram and don’t want it. Is it possible to have this meeting in person ?. There are several veterans I know (siblings,cousins, high-school friends, and the friends I served with) who would rather do this in person so that our voices can be heard. Otherwise do I need to make an appointment with someone who is knowledgeable without being condescending. Unfortunately as a female latina veteran I haven’t always received the respect that my male counterparts have received (not that it’s that much better).
Applied for the pac-act. Got denied. Even showed proof of medication, and surgical status on rhinoplasty. Picture showing myself stirring sh-t, on fire with mo-gas and diesel. Denied twice.
Was stationed on treasure island CA is this a dangerous base?
I have been applying for toxic exposure that date back to the late 70s and have been turned down every time. I tried Again this last March under the pact act and was turned down again. One more thing, how can I change a line item that is not correct. I have the proof that it is not. Correct.
NO INSTAGRAM VA needs to sponsor this discussion and that way we can get the VA to change and do what it is suppose to do support VETERANS not harass them or give them a hard time or tell them what they should do or how to change behavior just do what the VETERAN NEEDS. The more you try to change them the worse they get. Also Toxic exposure should not be broadcast to the world only the VA needs to know about someones exposure to chemicals that the Military deemed necessary. NO INSTAGRAM
I agree this should be on Youtube or Zoom. This is most inaccessible for most veterans. I bet that most veterans have no idea what Instagram is besides what their grandkids say. Kate Hoit, you have already FAILED before you Started. This is just another example of how out of touch the V.A. is with the needs of the Vets and how little know about what they need! You did not even put in a URL link for vets to try to get to your song and dance. But nice headshot you did not forget to include those and hopping into bed with the wounded warrior conmen! good god! Here is just one of many articles about their helping veterans!
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/us/wounded-warrior-project-spends-lavishly-on-itself-ex-employees-say.html
Lets not forget the submarine service. Even as careful as we were with any possible atmosphere contaminants we used AFFF and PKP (Purple K Powder) in enclosed spaces without protection. That is just the tip of that spear. God Bless America
This is designed for the new inured and not the Viet Nam Wounded like all the ones I kept getting denied for….which are the same ones I had applied for and was denied for another exemption for post 1975
There needs to be discussion about the places where toxics were disposed of.
In my case, such Thrace alameda, aka government isle.
The army base in Anchorage Alaska, the Marshall Islands, Hwy 160 outside Branson, MO, and others.
Mostly at the hands of Senator Bob Dole, and cohort George Bush. The owners of WASTE MANAGEMENT CORP.
I can personally name a half dozen victims besides myself.
These places are scraped and records erased which says enough in itself, yet the cancer lingers on.
Lawyers just make it worse. Time for the top brass to do the right thing, regain their soul and acknowledge what has happened.
Since most victims are VEAPS, its convenient to sweep it under the carpet but doing the right thing could avoid a very painful consequence from those with virtually nothing to lose.
Note… This VES(MAXIMUS CORP) is a very bad joke!
Hello,
I’m asking for direction on what to do. I served with A Co, 12th Eng Bn during the gulf war in ’91. I was a 62E at the time, physically on a bulldozer filling in burn pits. What is it that I need to do?
Thank you.
Every sailor that has ridden a fossel fuele aircraft carrier or helicopter carrier has even exposed to JP-5.
I have seen the oily shein in my bug juice aboard the USS New Orleans LPH-11 and aboard the USS Independence CV-62. It happened more than once on both ships.
Stick with it. I was on the New Orleans as a Marine in 1997. It is well documented in my file how sick I got on board. Shortly after I developed autoimmune issues and later neurological symptoms. All items I deal with on a daily basis now. I am getting the run around, but hired an attorney. There was a lot of JP-5 mixed with the water on that ship.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. Holy crap. You poor guys. Wow – it’s not like you had a choice. You had to drink water to survive. I think we all have our stories and exposures. I was injected with Anthrax as part of a beta test group to ‘build up tolerance’ for Iraq. I started growing a 2nd head out of my next for about 3 months. Not kidding.
I served in Vietnam (MAC-V) in 1965. I spent 7 months in Army and VA hospitals for Tuberculosis. I also had basil cell lesions removed. The VA through the years made it nearly impossible to recognize Agent Orange exposure until just recently I received a letter from the VA indicating my tour of duty in Vietnam did in fact expose me to Agent Orange, but it also stated that I am eligible for zero compensation. Before I received that letter I had to prove to the VA that I did serve in Vietnam. Through the years the VA made it very difficult to file a claim specially related to Agent Orange exposure. I don’t use Instagram and I’m sure most Vietnam Vets don’t either. It’s time the VA start recognizing the older Vets. Yes, we’re still alive.
Richard, your last sentence, ” Yes, we’re still alive.” but for how long? I have expressed to the VA as well as one of my Senators that I believe the system is waiting for us to die! I too am a Viet Nam Era veteran, was sent TDY to Takhli, RTAFB in 1972 and was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 11/2020. I immediately filed an amendment to my claim. Of course, VA is still researching and waiting for me to pass!
Richard & Robert,
I am a Vietnam Vet that served in country from 1969-1970 and found out later in life about the presumptive disease disability for prostate cancer. I applied and was granted 10% disability/compensation. When I found out the PACT Act had ruled high blood pressure was now included as a presumptive disease for Vietnam Vets I applied for additional disability and was granted an additional 10% but with no additional compensation based on the ridiculous and outdated standards VA utilizes. It is truly sad that all vets that have served over the years in good faith to defend this country they love are made to jump through so many hoops to receive just a small bit of compensation for their service.
I missed this, is it available to view online anywhere? Was it recorded?
My request for AO exposure compensation was denied. Was on NGFS in the summer of 1966 in the Tonkin Gulf. How would PACT be of benefit to me and to thise denied?
I , my spouse have asked for help for an individual combat veteran to WWP, they can pay the CEO In the 6 figure bracket x 3 they have thousands of employees in high paying jobs all funded by 501c funds. They generate over 400 million a year I got sick after 9/11 but they don’t fund individual requests but can have lavish parties.
I was stationed at a nerve gas storage site in Germany in the 70’s. The shells leaked. Me and my fellow soldiers were exposed to small amounts. Our blood was taken but we were never given the results. Our records were all redacted. Why are we not covered under PACT?
I was in Vietnam 1966 September though 1968 April they denied me . all they doing is waiting for us to die out. They waiting 40 to 50 years before they decide to help the Vietnam vet . Agent Orange that the government kept hide over the years.
Is there any follow up to Asbestos exposure? I slept on an outside wall bunk in the Deck Division compartment of USS Spiegel Grove LSD 32, that had asbestos covered pipes right above me.
Good luck, your going to need it. My appeal was just denied and I did four years of insulating in boiler rooms and replacing of package unit boilers in residences on base while in the USAF and got colon cancer 30 years later. I have the diagnosis by the VA and a great Nexus letter , plus medical proof of the exposure but they won’t accept it as a presumptuous disease. The next step that will take a year will be an attorney and going through the Board of Veterans appeal. I will be 73 June 2 and yes they are waiting for us to d ie. We need to unite at the Capitol on Veterans day and protest. Good luck !!!
I would love to join the conversation about military exposures. I am a former U.S. Navy Sailor who served at U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. My wife and I were exposed to the Shinkimpo Incinerator at Atsugi. She has been diagnosed with breast, anal, and liver cancer since our return to the United States of America. She is currently being treated with chemotherapy. I have been diagnosed with several chronic ailments. Those of us who were exposed to the chemicals at U.S. Naval Air facility Atsugi, Japan were not included in the PACT Act. I have had a claim in for my exposures since 2018. That claim has been dragged on and on through every hurdle possible without a conclusion. I would love to ask why the service members and their families were not included in the PACT Act. I am too poor to afford a smartphone, so I don’t have any social media. Thank you.
Is this discussion going to be available for Non-instagram users?
My request on the Pact Act was placed more than four month ago.
No one has answered yet to my claim. Could you help?
What if you do not have access to Instagram regarding May 25, 2023 Instagram Live concerning WWP as it relates to PACT ACT benefits involving possible Toxic Exposure?
Also based upon MyHealtheVet automated email messages it notes a Aug. 2023 deadline for PACT ACT Toxic Screenings as it relates to qualifying for PACT ACT benefits however appointment requests for Toxic Screenings are being scheduled after the PACT ACT August 2023 cutoff deadline (will the Veteran still qualify for PACT ACT benefits due to screening appointment) not being available until after the Aug. 2023 cutoff date?
General in charge salary is over $240,000 plus military benefits
I was in the USN from February 1971 till January 1975. Served on the FDR-CVA42 from May 1972 till January 1975. An aircraft carrier built during WWII and probably loaded with bad stuff. I was assigned to A-4 division or AC&R shop. I know for a fact I was exposed to asbestos ( I was the person who put cloth-asbestos lagging on pipes and I was exposed to phosgene gas when soldering refrigeration pipes in enclosed spaces with no or little ventilation.
I also slept just under the catapults for the entire time and I now have a 10% disability for hearing loss and tinnitus. I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy for over 20 years, probably from the phosgene.
I also don’t do any social network stuff on the internet. No I don’t do Facebook either.
I too have CIDP Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, a nerve disease when the insulation of the nerves is slowly being lost. It does not come up on any of the lists of diseases, although it is attributable to environmental exposures. Deployed 4 times to combat zones, also spent time at Ground Zero on military orders. Did the VA give you any rating for your neuropathy?
Are they ever going to bring to light the superfund at Ft. Ord, CA? There were toxic chemicals leaking into the drinking water for not only the veterans but also the towns people.
When were you stationed at Ft. Ord? My husband was there August ’66 to March ’68. He has Addison’s disease and is also diabetic.
Please explain the reason I must utilize Instagram for a Government Agency: re Veterans Association?
I want Nothing to do with Instagram…
Please Explain WHY Instagram sign up?
Please Explain?
WWP MISSION STATEMENT The WWP mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred a physical or mental injury, illnesses, or wound, co-incident to your military service on or after September 11, 2001.
How about supporting all veterans with all the millions WWP collects annually.
During the Vietnam War, I spent about 2 years stationed at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver Colorado. The arsenal, leased to Shell Oil, manufactured over 600 toxins. My job as a draftsman working in the civilian Civil Engineering Dept. required that I venture through the various warehouses to create drawings to move 55 gallon drums to huge furnaces to burn various toxins from WWII that were leaking. These toxins to the best of my memory were Agent Orange, White Phosphorus, Sarin nerve gas, mustard gas, etc. There were also pools of contaminated water throughout the grounds.
In the 1990s, the EPA declared the Arsenal the most polluted piece of ground on the planet. The government spent $3.2 billion to clean up the arsenal, but after talking to the lawyers who processed the claim, not one cent was allocated to examine and reimburse military or civilian workers who worked on the grounds.
I have not bothered submitting a claim to the VA after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005 (which I still have), as I knew it would be a waste of time.
I was in Vietnam in 1967/1968 during this time I was attached to LZ English and in May of 67 the amo dump was hit and exploded from 1am until 10am,in the dump 2-4D was stored there were about 10 of us in a small bunker and that was the only thing left standing on the L-Z I was soaked with this chemical since then I have had around 200 basil cell cancers and 20 removed by surgery in 2014 I loss my left kidney to cancer and in 2020 it was back now my right kidney has shut down.Not only do I have this to deal with I have diabetes,high blood pressure,cholesterol, I was told I would be on treatment the rest of my life.
Two things.
1. Why is the VA teaming with the WWP, an organization that was in the news for financial scandal? Why isn’t the VA doing this themselves? The WWP has nothing to do with the VA.
2. Why do we need to open a social media account (Instagram) to listen to VA discussions?
I personally witnessed the flagrant spending of WWP, as well as i discovered a ‘Stolen Valor’ individual working for the organization. When i showed proof this person was claiming what they were not, i was ignored and eventually pushed out! #%+@ those money whores!
I am Vietnam Combat USMC Veteran from 1967 & 1968. Back in 2008, I had a major setback requiring my first ever major surgery. No one in my family history ever had this issue. If I had went to the VA back in 2008 I probably would be diseased now. I am 76 currently working full time to stay ahead of my bills. Lately I finally am receiving VA Heath Care in 2023. Yes I filed for VA Benefits, still waiting for a response? Yes I stationed at Camp Lejeune before and after Vietnam.
I was an Air Force transport pilot in Korean War. Summer of 1952 I was one of four C46 pilots assigned to spray DDT all over South Korea. We did this every day for two months. I have had Parkinson’s Disease for many years. I applied to VA but was rejected. Any suggestion?
I have heard that being stationed in Atsugi Japan also qualifies (incinerator near the base). Also exposed to carbon fiber from an F/A-18C that crashed.
Sir/Madam.
Good day, when one researches the side effects from the intake of the chemicals mixed with water you drank, bathe, cooked with. And then look at the proposed ailments for compensation makes one sick. For more than three decades they kept this hushed people getting sick and taken to hospitals, people being discharged without screening or Line of duty investigation which is required by the UCMJ knowing there was a problem a horrible problem and no one cared. There are over 30 medical issues as result of PCE, TCE and Benzine intake Cancer being one of them, how can they narrow it down to a few? We are living with this chemicals inside, slowly eating us up till we are no longer here, We are talking families, children not just the troops but their dependents .
Don’t forget if it hasn’t been mentioned already… out in the small FOB’s we had to burn our own crap. With out any masks or ppe it was a night ritual in some cases. We thought we were lucky if we had s**t trenches & p-tubes.
I have applied two times for Peripheral Neuropathy and have been denied both times. Even though I have 3 doctors letters saying Agent orange or Herbicides may have caused the condition. But the VA says because I did not apply with in 1 year of leaving the service, I do not qualify.
Good grief! This seminar sounds great but you are not telling us enough to get to see it. What time? Do I have to have an Instagram account? I can’t be the only one who is confused.
I have been denied Agent Orange Exposure since 2009. The last time I heard from them was in March 2023. My claim has been closed with no justifiable explanation. I wrote to them wanting the results and they don’t seem to understand the question. I have had 3-surgeries, many epidurals, pain pills for my Chronic Pain. Served in DaNang Replublic of South VietNam and surronding areas..(I-Corp 1 Zone) War and Combat Areas.. 1969-70 U.S. Navy SeaBees ground troops. Do I have to refile again, being that my claim went through the “Appeals Board” I am very concerned that my Compensation Claim will not be processed until I get to the age of 75, next year. I really need help, but I am going to request Attorney(s) that are experts in dealing with Toxic Exposures while on tour in VietNam I feel the people working the claims are not qualified to make decisions based on facts.
My husband trained at Fort McClellan 69-70 and had orders for Vietnam but because he already had a brother in Vietnam he was sent to Germany where he continued to train. He was exposed to toxic chemicals at both places. He has Parkinson’s Disease, neurapathy, hearing loss, etc. but cannot get any assistance through the VA. Applied and denied.
I am a Camp Lejeune Marine Honorably Discharged, Molded by The Corps to be a good student again, poisoned by the Lejeune Water Toxins. I had my tenth cancer procedure this morning. I am a 100% Disabled Marine collecting benefits and medical help. I claimed a plethora of disabilities to the VA over the last five years. They accepted some and rejected more citing “not service connected’. The PACT Act opened an opportunity for me to disagree with some previous decisions and start anew with recently discovered disabilities. All claims are filed. Everything that needed JAG Submission has been submitted. I hurried up. I’m waiting.
I am 84.95 years young and deteriorating faster than the rate I prayed for. I did not hire a barrister. I’m over the top leading somewhere just like Gunny’s Montgomery and Hoagland and Bill taught me 62 Years ago. Semper Fi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our government does not care that msny have died due to exposure to Sarin Gas during the war in Desert Storm they have all the info that shows chemicals were released from Akan 1991- March 1991 so many have died ffom undiagnosed Illness which has been proven was exposure to Sarin Gas. Soldiers per regulations were entitled to The Purple Heart for that exposure msny have died msny are sick yet our government denies them that benefit. WWP reaps the profits from a 501c snd yet they help those with trips hunting and other stuff if you served after 9/11 how about all veterans including individual veterans that ask for your support
Ask WWP why they only help those after 9/11 and not all veterans that have suffered from prior vifkicts.
Was exposed to firefighting foam while in basic training in 1962.
First and foremost our government does not acknowledge the truth that Sarin Gas was the main cause of the undiagnosed illness that affected us during Desert Storm. Secondly WWP coincidently only helps those after 9/11 and fails in its 501c to help individual veterans. Third our government even with all the information on hand failed to honor those brave men and women who suffer from the chemicals that were on scuds and other weapons during the war. Many veterans at young ages died because of the release of toxins and yet I have not seen one individual given the Purple Heart per regulstions that those exposed to chemicals during the battle are eligible for it now or in death.
In order to address this subject you need to speak to all the veterans that were exposed to hazardous materials that we routinely used for cleaning, painting, paint removal and fueling, before we knew they were toxic, or that we even needed personal protective equipment to handle them.The PACT ACT is too little and too late for many vets of the past, they have suffered from the toxic effects in many cases for over 30 or 40 years. with NO help from the VA.
I applied for new hypertension benefit having been exposed to agent orange as a Rifle Platoon Leader with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam and being diagnosed as having hypertension by 2 different general practitioners . I filed all the necessary paperwork and went through a joke of an VES exam , only to receive a zero benefit !!
Why does the VA say veterans are entitled to a benefit for hypertension as a result of the new PACT act, and then deny the benefit when a veteran applies ?
“Thank You For Your ( life threatening ) Service “, but screw you when you apply for entitled benefits. The VA has a terrible reputation for not taking care of veterans, and this is another example why !!!!
Please submit the form 20-0995 or 20-0996 with a 21-526EZ if necessary. And write it up the same way you did the first time and you will be in the system and possibly get something out of your problem with hypertension. Also submit copies of all doctors reports and you might just be checked for A-FIB and possible other problems you might have that can be related to your hypertension.
What is Instagram?
Sad truth is that the Gov squanders out tax dollars as far back as I can remember. Billions to Ukraine? Porous borders and Healthcare for them all? To be honest, I think they secretly want a percentage of us to just die so we lessen their economic concerns. Gov and contractors have been using us military as part of their economic stimulus when there’s war.
Yeah why wwp? Just tell us to our faces.
Just another smoke and mirrors program veterans always seem to get
During the first Gulf War my battalion of combat engineers was tasked with destroying nthe weapons at Kismayah in Iraq when our M8 alarms went off we were told we got false readings and reasons and breathing issues that were caused by what we believed to be Sarin . Many years later received a letter from an Under Secretary confirming yes we were exposed at what they estimated at low levels . Initially they said we were suffering from mass hysteria and need counseling not treatment However symptoms persisted over time and worsened as was treated for other than sarcoidosis. CTs and Biopsies at a civilian hospital confirmed it was Sarcoid disease. After PACT put in for the claim but denied for insufficient proof and not authorized . Excuse me if it’s a presumptive is that not an automatic claim for compensation if medically proven?
Why does C& Pseny Toxic exposure claims when you are medically diagnosed with a presumptive thru CTs and Biopsies. I was diagnosed and have written proof from DOD we were exposed to sarin agent when we destroyed the weapons depot in Kismayah . Initially we were denied there were no toxic weapons there for many years this sounds just like agen Armageddon wait for many of to die off then finally come clean?
developed sinusitis post VietNam duty, filed under PACT, denied, not within theater of presumptions, so same symptons under the same conditions as theaters included (Iraq, Afganistan) yet not considered. Why are VietNam vets not getting the same consideration? Toxins and burnpit exposure prevalent in all theaters.
No one mentions the fact that Viet Nam veterans were exposed to open burning pits but are not covered by this in the PACT act. My husband is a Viet Nam vet with numerous disorders. He was exposed to open burning pits. No one knew how toxic they were back then. Why are Viet Nam Vets not covered by this. I am fighting for benefits for my husband. I was told by the VA that coverage starts with the Gulf War. They were exposed to a lot of chemicals besides open pit burning. We need our Viet Nam veterans to be covered as well as those from the other wars. Walter Rondeau, my husband is in a VA state run memory unit. He has dementia and hearing loss but not enough for money but still service connected. I want our Viet Nam veterans to be covered for the open pit burning.
If any oy you believe DOD or VA have any concern for poisoned veterans, you are sadly mistaken. Ask Ft. McClellan veteran, we have fought for decades for recognition and help. The PACT act was just the latest slap in the face. Congress directed VA to do research, the research is already there if they would open their eyes. VA was directed to notify Ft. McClellan Vet’s of possible exposure, As of this date no veteran has received any notice! (DENY TIL THEY DIE)
I too have suffered multiple illnesses from Fort McClellan, Alabama. After all, we were only three miles from the company that manufactures Round-up. From my understanding, the air and water were contaminated. You are right about the deny til they die. There are too many of us still struggling to stay alive. I also am in belief that the grounds were sprayed with enough DDT and other toxins that were three times what was put in Vietnam.
This needs to be available on other platforms. I don’t use instagram. I do use MyHealthyVet and VA.gov.
Does the PACT Act have an OFF Set Provision attached to it. The Local lawyers I have contacted won’t say if it does, I’m rated at 100% now from the Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
I was told by my attorney that the Pact act does not cover the contaminated water at Lejeune. The Lejeune contaminated water case is separated and has it’s own platform.
The V.A.is not the Veteran friends at all .their the worst government agency you can deal with .
This topic is bullsht. I was exposed in Vietnam in 1968. After filling, as requested from this “PAC Act” scam; the VA did nothing more than confirm I was exposed and nothing more. Why waste my time and patience.
I’d venture to say that many folks that could benefit the most from this discussion, don’t have “Instagram”. Should not have to have a particular non-government app to participate. Maybe a dial-in option for older people?
I applied & was approved for agent orange exposure consequently got high blood pressure. The VA rated me at zero percent.
What about those of us that while doing toxic agent research at the APG-EA during the 1974 to 1978 period were exposed to toxic agents? Are we even being considered? Personally I worked with and was exposed to GB, HD, L mustard, russian agent GD, ketone, experimental BZ (LSD) and various solvents. I have skin cancer, kidney stones all of which presented them immediately after my 3 year lab assignment. I did submit my case to VA previously with no action indicated.
I was exposed to agent orange in Vietnam. Last year I was granted 30 % disability for heart disease which is presumptive to agent orange. Now I have been diagnosed with neuropathy which is also presumptive to agent orange but they say it has to have been diagnosed within 1 year of separation. Please work on getting rid of that 1 year time requirement!!!
You need a nexus letter from a board certified doctor linking the condition to active duty service since it’s been years when you exited service.
That is an outrage. My brother is a Vietnam Vet, was exposed to the blue water that causes prostate cancer. They removed his prostate after getting cancer. They also rated him at 0 %.