Agent Orange During the Vietnam War And Its Effects Today
Co-written by Communications Intern Sophie Ota
U.S. Army Huey helicopter spraying Agent Orange over Vietnamese agricultural land.
August 10, 1961 marked the start of the aerial spraying of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Defoliant tests began on that fateful day in the Kontom Province of Vietnam.
Agent Orange was one of the color-coded herbicides and chemical defoliants used by U.S. forces to kill vegetation, crops, and trees in order to deplete resources and cover for enemy forces. It was prominently produced and manufactured by Dow Chemical, Monsanto, and other chemical companies as part of the U.S. military herbicidal warfare program. It was the unique way it was shipped – in gigantic orange striped barrels, that gave it the popular name – Agent Orange.
Inspired by Britain’s use of herbicides during their conflict in Malaysia, President Kennedy signed off on “Operation Ranch Hand.” The goal of the military program was to deplete rural and forested land to deprive the enemy of food and shelter, and expose enemy bases in sensitive areas. Operation Ranch Hand also forced countryside civilians to flee to U.S.-occupied cities, curtailing any support the enemy could receive. Operation Ranch Hand was officially initiated in January of 1962.
Commemorative scarf given to participants of “Operation Ranch Hand,” a military program that involved spraying herbicides in Vietnam to deplete vegetation and land that gave support to enemy forces. The item was left at The Wall in 1993.
The U.S. government sprayed some 20 million gallons of herbicides and defoliants between 1961 and 1971. The spraying of Agent Orange reached its peak from 1967 to 1969. Spray runs were most commonly conducted by way of helicopter or low-flying C-123 providers.
The human toll of Agent Orange, aside from the agricultural effects, has been tremendous. Millions of Vietnamese civilians and a number of U.S. service members who came in contact with the chemical would battle illnesses attributed to it. Agent Orange exposure has been linked to cancers and other fatal diseases. Hodgkin’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Prostate Cancer are just three examples of diseases recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Anthony Benner is just one Vietnam veteran whose life was cut short.
Anthony enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1964 and served until 1975, surviving tours in Vietnam and Germany. After returning to his home state of Texas, Benner married, raised a family, and earned an accounting degree from Park University. He lived to see his five daughters grow up and 11 grandchildren born. When he died on September 16, 2015 “Pancreatic cancer” and “Agent Orange Exposure” were listed on his death certificate.
However, Agent Orange doesn’t always manifest as a cancerous disease.
Frank Nowicki of Manchester, Connecticut, who passed away in 2015 to Agent Orange related illnesses.
Frank Nowicki of Connecticut died unexpectedly of respiratory arrest on May 5, 2015. After serving in Vietnam as a Spec. 4 from 1967 to 1968, Frank attended the University of Hartford, where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to work for aerospace manufacturer Pratt and Whitney, and was close with his large family of five sisters, including his twin, Elaine.
Both veterans are honored through VVMF’s In Memory program that recognizes veterans who succumbed to illnesses related to their service. More than 2,800 veterans are remembered in the program’s online memorial.
The effects of Agent Orange are still being felt today, in Vietnam and in America’s backyard. Additional efforts are being fostered to help the victims of Agent Orange, and further scientific and medical research relating to dioxin-related ailments.
If you would like to honor a Vietnam veteran who passed away as a result of their service, through VVMF’s In Memory Program, fill out an application here.
Lost my husband to Agent Orange in 2000 of heart disease he serverd over there 66-67
is there any research on whether the affects of agent orange can be transmitted to spouses
Is there any research on off spring. My daughter was born just after I arrived in country and she is fine. My son was born 4 years after I returned home and has had problems all of his life.
As far as the information provided there is no effects to spouses.
I’m so sorry for your loss dear… are you on Facebook?
Genene,
We are very sorry for your loss. We’d love to make you aware of our In Memory program that honors veterans like your husband, who passed away as a result of their service in Vietnam. Information on In Memory can be found at: vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
-Latosha
My father worked at Cyamid back in day. That compay made Agent Orange. Of course they never told the men how dangerous it was or maybe they didn’t know themselves. He would bring home his clothes to be washed and the water would turn orange. Later on in life he always had lung problems and us kids well I got cancer. Blamed it on that. I also got a thyroid condition plus fibromyaglia on top of everything else.
I was in Vietnam in 1966-1967 12 months and 4 days I was stationed with 3rd Mar, Div. and later with 1st Log Command I have had so many problem prostate heart lungs and my whole body,. My daughter Melissah Dawn Haney died at 25 months old with a Danny Walker shunt in her head. The VA said it was caused by Agent Orange but to little to late. I would ask God to bless all Vietnam Veterans and really those with Agent Orange issues. I guess I am just tired of it all and just waiting for the Masters Call I am ready to go. Semper-Fi.
I too served Where A lot of spraying was done.not dead yet but have heart disease and prostrate cancer and just live from day to day glad to wake up each morning
When you say “sores” could you explain that a little more? I dropped some serious weight just working around the yard a few months ago. Dioxin is stored in body fat, thus I suspect when I dropped the weight, some of the Dioxin stored in my body fat released. Two days later I had 15 lesions on my back, they were NOT boils, multiple heads on them and hurt like hell. They stayed with me for months, and it is coming up to a year, some I can still see. I will drop my weight one more time to see if I can re-create the problem…if so…off to the VA again…thanks Skip
My husband has skin cancer from Agent Orange and the VA refuses to acknowledge it, denying him benefits because of it. We continue to fight the Va for his right to benefits and compensation. He regularly gets about 50 or more sores frozen or cut out (some going for biopsy) of his face or head a year. It’s never ending. For as long as I have known him he has had the pre cancer and cancers removed. He lost 1/3 of his lip and 1/3 of his chin to squamous cell carcinoma.
Ann thanks for your post. I was in VN in 1967 and 68. I too have to have a lot of sores frozen and biopsys done on my chest and back. And a melanoma taken off my cheek which left a big scar on half of my face. I am the only one in my family of seven that has this to deal with. I wonder how may others like your husband and I are not being recognized as victims of agent orange.
My husband too! Same condition constant freezing and biopsies! Most are pre cancer and some have been cancers! It had to be agent orange there from 67-68 near DaNang Phu Bai
He was denied comp for this!! Maybe they have to do a class suit! He was told not an organ but yet skin is the largest organ on your body!
My husband was in VN 67-68 and has Melnoma plus has had numerous spots frozen on his face and ears. He does not get any disability benefits either, as we were told that Melnoma cancer was not one of the covered items, but if we wanted to file on PTSD that he could get benefits.
It still bothers me. For years my husband said he was in contact with Agent Orange. He was told no he was not. Than when he died in 2011, I requested all his medical records and it said he was in contact with it. Really why after?
Denise,
We are very sorry for your loss. We want to make you aware of VVMF’s In Memory Program that honors veterans who passed away as a result of their service in Vietnam. For information on applying to honor your husband through In Memory, please visit: vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
-Latosha
My brother died from agent orange on the operating table at the veterans hospital in Alabama. He was having open heart surgery but they couldn’t cut through his heart because of a growth that grew around his heart. Therefore he died on the table, my niece was told about the growth but at the same time was told they would deny knowing anything about it. The government just covered it up.
Susie,
We are very sorry for your loss. We want to make you aware of VVMF’s In Memory program. The In Memory program honors veterans who passed away as a result of their service in Vietnam. Information can be found here: vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
-Latosha
WHY HAS THE NATION NOT AWARD ALL THESE VETERANS THE PURPLE HEART FOR THERE WOUNDS AND THE LIVES THEY HAVE SUFFERED.
Why isn’t there a class action lawsuit, against the chemical company’s. They knew what this stuff was bad.
My husband served in VietNam, corpsman with the Marines, 1966-67. He was also in a plane crash after arriving there and was hospitalized for 3 months with a fractured back. Has had back issues since then. In recent years he has had 2 melanomas (back and ear) and the dermatologist typically finds a couple places to biopsy each time he is seen. We wondered if the skin issues are due to Agent Orange, even all these years later.
The government needs to add SKIN CANCER t the list of agent orange associated diseases !!! So many of us are fighting this all the time! Skin
Cancers keep showing up !!!
The adult children of veterans are beginning to show signs of Agent Orange. Children of Vietnam vets are getting cancers. Hairy cell leukemia is one of them. My husband, an Army Frogman, has a daughter who was diagnosed in her early thirties.
My husband passed August 13, 2016 after suffering from MALT Lymphoma and adenocarcenoma stomach cancer from agent orange. USMC 1965-1968. Horrible death over 5 years
Edyie,
We are very sorry for your loss. We want to make you aware of VVMF’s In Memory program. The program honors veterans who passed away as a result of their service in Vietnam. More information can be found here: vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
-Latosha
My husband was in Nam 68-69. He died of organic heart disease, but the VA denied my claim because he didn’t go to see any doctors.
Denise,
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We want to make you aware of VVMF’s In Memory program that honors veterans who passed away as a result of their service in Vietnam. More information can be found here: vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
-Latosha
Agent Orange is blamed for my type II diabetis. I am 66 and have no cancer except a lil skin cancer. It is a mysterious chemical for sure. I sprayed it in 1969 from a Huey. Luckily my two daughters have no health
issues. We may never know the full effects of Agent Orange.
My husband was exposed to agent orange while serving in Korea. They defoliated the mountain he was on overlooking the DMZ. He actually handled it while loading it on aircraft. He is dealing with multiple health problems. Heart, vascular failure, diabetes to name a few. All 9 or 10 men he served with have all passed away from different cancers. So sad. Please keep talking about this horrible poison.
What about an award similar to a Purple Heart for us vets dying because of agent orange exposure? Sick for 40 years before being diagnosed. Just not right.
All of the people exposed to Agent Orange are and we’re dearly loved by someone and/or many. I for one am very much in love with one. He is my husband. Petty Officer Robert D. LaBrode. We are parents to 9 adult children, 24 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren-1 born with spinal bifida, another died of luekemia. We learned Robert is terminally Ill with Multiple Myeloma throughout his blood and bones due to Agent Orange in ’68-’69 forty years later.
My heart goes out to all that have passed and all that are struggling to hang on!
Someone needs to research allergy issues. I have prostate cancer but have suffered thru life with allergies that don’t exist in my family. I believe it’s agent orange.
Carolyn,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I would like to encourage you to honor him through VVMF’s In Memory program. The program recognizes veterans who passed away as a result of the Vietnam War (including exposure to Agent Orange).
We would be humbled to recognize him in 2017. If interested, you can fill out an online application here: http://www.vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
-Latosha
My late husband served in Cuba 69-71 as an MP on a patrol boat where a defoliant was sprayed by plane along the banks. Was Agent Orange also used in Cuba during the VN era? For years I have researched but have found no documentation on that – only suspicions. He was sick for years and died of Hodgkin’s Disease. He had always suspected his illnesses were a result of his Guantanamo Bay service.
On July 2 ,2016 agent Orange took my dad from me. I also feel it is affecting me to. My dad name is Willie Hubert Davis he was only 67 years old . He was private first class in the army in veitnam 1966 to 1967.
Retina,
We are very sorry for your loss. We encourage you to honor your father through our In Memory Program. Our program honors and recognizes those veterans whose lives were cut short as a result of their service (including illnesses attributed to exposure to Agent Orange). If you are interested in applying to honor your father through our program in 2017, we encourage you to visit our website and fill out an application: http://www.vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
-Latosha
Lost my hubby 15 years ago due to the agent orange n me n my children miss him very much lung cancer
Erlinda,
We are very sorry for your loss. We encourage you to honor your husband through our In Memory program. In Memory is a program that honors veterans whose lives were cut short as a result of their service. We honor veterans who passed away every year, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. For information on applying to honor your husband next year, please visit: http://www.vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
-Latosha
I also lost my husband from heart disease. He served two years in Vietnam. Cause of death on his death certificate was Agent Orange. Thank you for the information on how to honor our Vets who have died this way.
My husband died May 5, 2012 from exposure to Agent Orange (aka herbicide exposure). He is one of the 2800 veterans rembered on the online memorial.
Ann,
We are so humbled to have been able to honor your husband. We couldn’t be more grateful to have you in our In Memory family!
-Latosha
Good Bless your husband. He was a true patriot!
As a biochemist and Vietnam Veteran I am keenly aware of the biological implication of the frequent exposures we had to A/O in combat. Even those who were not in the areas directly sprayed were drinking water laced with the dioxin. That goes for blue water sailors hundreds of miles off the coast of Vietnam. They had to get their fresh water from the nearest sources. Where else but the same rivers we did in-country?
Dioxin never breaks down. It stays in body fat like luggage forever. It makes all other carcinogens and ionizing radiation more pluripotent for the rest of our lives. In doing research on my infantry battalion I learned of several men who had multiple grand children who were born with Spina Bifida and other birth defects who had no knowledge of A/O or its potential as a mutagen, teratogen and frank carcinogen. I never heard of it until 2001. It is not even possible to imagine the long term harm that has been done. Once these known and unknown genetic defects get into the general population it could ultimately lead to mutations that will run amuck. It could even mean our extinction. Nobody seems to be concerned about that aspect of the heavy exposures we had, but there is ignorance about the lesser but just as deadly long term exposures we get from eating fish and produce from contaminated regions. I don’t care to think about the amount of exposure we get right here from our drinking water, no matter how well it is processed.
Why does the VA(veterans administration) why isn’t MONSANTO!
There is a benefit for all of those exposed. You are all entitled to it but must file for it. Call the VA to apply. This benefit also applies to the widows of the exposed soldier.
I’ve been dealing with the effects of AO my whole life. Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet and hands has taken away my feeling for the most part. My feet feel like they are being pricked with needles all the time. My fingers don’t feel things very well so I am constantly dropping things. I don’t know how many times I have dropped and broken dishes in the kitchen. PN is also caused as part of diabetes and I have that as well. But, I have been told my PN is a direct result of AO – it is listed as one of the several diseases caused by AO. Then there is the Prostate issues but I have not been diagnosed with cancer – although my Urologist says I have a high probability that I do have it, they just haven’t found it yet. I am getting 80% disability but most of that is from PTSD. So, all my medical is covered by the VA. I have had nothing but praise for everything the VA medical staff has and is doing for me. Although the main stream media would tell you otherwise, I think the vast majority of problems with the VA has to do with management, not medical care.
My husband, Staff Sgt. Travis Wheat, USMC past away in Sept of 1999. Today would have been his 66 birthday. It was a cancer the VA said was caused by agent orange. In Vietnam 68/69. He said they sprayed them and so they were soaked all the way. They lay in it night and day. My oldest daughter has had two strokes, she is 46 now .My youngest has had skin cancers cut off, unknow cause rashes,swollen lump noles she is 44.. We were also exposed all of us to the water at camp Lejuene which causes all the same thing. My husband was awarded full benefits for app.14 months before he died and I recieved 900.00 after he died. I could not live on what I made and the small pension.we had a home and car payment. A really good man from church ask me to marry and I did so my pension was cut off. all that to say this …if he had worked for the pipe line , I would have been able to live well and help my children . my sister-in-law just recieved 9 millon dollars in a settlement for the loss of her husband. I recieved a 10. thousand life insurance that I would not have even had but a person at the va not worker another vet told me about and I took out. He spend ten years in corp and that is all it was worth to them. Where is the justice in this ? I use to be proud to say my husband was a marine now not so much. Was told to fill out papers for the camp water and of course, nothing. Sometimes I am so bitter that it turned out this way, but I try to always be thankful to my sweet Navy man who rescued me. Now he is sick and probably was exposed on ship but they won’t even see him because we make to much .Do you know what the limit is 33 thousand year and I get 12 a year on disability so 21 is all he can make ..my uncle was grandfathered in and he has over a 100 thousand in one bank and was never in war just navy for two years and they va pays for glasses, teeth, everything including travel pay.. WHERE IS THE JUSTICE IN THAT. rant over..sorry for the loss of all these men and boys who just wanted to make America a better place by helping others , who were brought up believing it was their duty t o serve and protect and that they would be taken care of when and if they needed. I love the USA and know I am blessed to live here but we need to change some things
My dad passed in 2005 from Bone Cancer, like others that have commented he to was told it had nothing to do with Agent Orange.
Sharon,
We are very sorry for your loss. We encourage you to honor your father through our In Memory program. If a part of our program, we recognize them through our online memorial and with a ceremony on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. More information can be found here: http://www.vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram.
-Latosha
Is there any research that it can be transmitted to there children
Lana,
There is a group called Legacy of Our Veterans’ Military Exposures that advocates for the services, support and rights on behalf of our veterans’ children and their families affected by the veterans’ military exposures. They may be of help to you and you can visit their website here: http://lovme.org/
-Latosha
Lana,
This website may be of help to you: http://www.covvha.net/
-Latosha
yes…my friend’s daughters have it…..
My father was a Vietnam Veteran and passed away from 3 types of cancers due to Agent Orange. I was his first born after that war. I was born premature, deformed feet, neuropathy in my feet, no muscles in my extremities, no eye muscles, and years later a rare scar tissue formation in my trachea, and unknown reasons for infertility issues. My father was told, while terminally ill with cancers, by the VA, “Buy a plot, we’re not going to help you.”
There needs to be help for previous and new war veterans.
There needs to be a safe house type of place for veterans to come to when they come “home” from war and can adapt back into society and somewhat normalcy during their PTSD and other mental and physical traumas.
Hi,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. We do have an In Memory program that honors veterans like your father who passed away after the Vietnam War ended, as a result of their service. The program recognizes veterans in our program through an online memorial and during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
If you are interested in honoring your father through our program, you can fill out an application at: http://www.vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram
Also, this website has information on children who may have attributed illnesses due to Agent Orange. It may be of interest to you: http://www.covvha.net/
-Latosha
I saw what happened to the trees where Agent Orange sprayed around the frog and turtle ponds where we played as children. This happened in Atlantic Mine Michigan, There was nothing green left standing. Just sticks without leaves.
Mr. Koski, the man that live nearby, said the Railroad workers had sprayed it to kill the trees growing next to the train tracks junction. His boys were not allowed to play there anymore that summer.
I served for 18 months in Okinawa where they used agent orange, again in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1966-67 where they sprayed agent orange, and in Ubon Thailand 18 months where they sprayed agent orange. I’ve had cancer 5 times (bladder, stomach and lip) and now I’m battling cancerous lesions on my face and back. But the VA will not acknowledge.
Bladder cancer has recently been found to be related to AO -Unless you smoke! That’s because 50% of bladder cancer is blamed on smoking. In my second year, 5 surgeries, and Chemo.Lucky that it is benign at this point. I have non-VA care, and I am 100% P&T disabled from PTSD. I expect BC will be added soon, to the presumptuous list.
Gary don’t loose your faith, the bladder cancer is one of the conditions that is supposed to be added to AO Presumtive Illness.
How do I file a claim.
Call any Vet Organization DAV AL Vietnam Veterans, VFW, and as for a service officer, it is better to do it it with a SO because they will personally follow your case from beginning to end. Remember a request for compensation has 3 key elements, diagnose, treatment and a link to military service.
Why are you singling out Veteran’/ who are dead? There are thousands suffering from disease from AO that are fighting for their rights in the VA. It was interesting to read your take and my husband was one of the Helicopter pilots that guarded the helos that were spraying. It was on his clothing, his skin, his helicopter. Sad that you have to wait until their Dead to be recognized.
I served in the US Army in 69 -70 for fourteen months. I was diagnosed three years ago with Usual Interstitial Pneumonia and am currently on oxygen . My claim was recently denied by the VA . I’ve recently been diagnosed with an aorotal aneurysm and type 2 diabetes and will be appealing my claim.
My dad served 68 to 70, has pancreatic problems, my sister has lupus and fibromyalgia, I my self have fibromyalgia and my son was born with spina bifida. There has been rumors of it being passed down in the genes.
Govt. use some chemical to control mosquito for malaria during the monsoon season and it smells like rotten eggs
I served in the northern highlands of Binh Dinh province through all of 1968. I now have wrestled with COPD for years, which now is quite advanced. The VA refuses to recognize COPD as agent orange related!
my husband diagnosed lyposarcoma and diabetes II in early 2012.. caused from supply ship and oiler carrying agent orange drums and being in the waters..in the 60/70’s our DAV and American Legion plus our VA representative.. did all the paperwork for us.. after the 2 year wait paperwork was finally approved and retroactive.. was a grateful surprise.. his ship was on the accepted list, which helped..
I served in Viet Nam in 72 to73. I had foot problems which manifested shortly after I came back home. Within one year of coming home my wife got pregnant. At five and one half months she lost our first child, not just a fetus. Agent Orange related? I receive my care from the James Haley VA hospital in Tampa Florida. I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremeties. I have filed for disability but was denied because of the early onset tag benefits must be applied for within one year of leaving Viet Nam. I went to at least 3 podiatrists after I ETS’d in 74, who could not diagnose it and could not give me any relief. In short I had to apply for the disability well before I knew I had the condition. I have no idea who those doctors were after 43 years. I only enrolled in the VA in October of 2012 because my wife had heard someone talking about the presumptive exposure. That is when I found out I had health care benefits any benefits available. Our complaint is with congress. That is who makes the rules that the VA must follow. Maybe one day that tag will be dropped but I don’t give it much of a chance I have nothing but good to say for my care takers. I think they care and do a good job caring for me. But I would like to have the compensation I deserve.
I have had at least 20 cancers surgically removed since I enrolled. I also have a blood disorder called Factor 5 Leiden which causes my blood to be abnormally thick resulting in blood clots in both lungs.
You missed a opportunity to tell about the barrels they placed in the ground in Okinawa. Studies show that these metal barrels have rusted open and have caused a second round of sickness for the Marine base in Okinawa due to high levels of Agent Orange exposure in the early 1980s .
my brother has a medal of valor for serving in VN. He has health problems. I have 2 friends who served….one has had the pancreatic…and twice heart surgeries…the other problems from agent orange….who went through the dna to his daughters….terrible war!!
I would like to know if there is anyone on here that’s in the same scenario as me. My dad served in VN he was exposed to agent orange. My sister (1st born) was born and classified severely and mentally retarded. I have been ill since my mid 20’s. I have EDS Fibromyalgia had 2 heart attacks at 33 I’m just sick really sick I go to a geneticist the end of April I can’t help that this is related. Am I wrong in saying there is a connection?
My father was in VN. My brother has many issues and we all know its from AO and hving children to soon about being exposed to AO. I had learning dissabilities in school and spinal meningitus at 4 weeks old. I also have a child born who hs MildMR. But none of my other 3 do. I believe it does though DNA. You are not lone.
My brother was a Marine Sergeant who was wounded in Vietnam and served nine years in the Marine Corps. He died at age 39 of a massive heart attack. He attempted to go back into the Marines, but they rejected him due to health problems. They told him it was MS, Parkinson and who knows what else. We know it was Agent Orange.
I was stationed in Ubon, Thailand, in 1973/74. The perimeters were also sprayed there with AO. I have several things wrong with my body that have just begun the past 10 years or so. Of course, they don’t fit into the VA’s time frame. I have been rejected on my claim for AO and for two other separate claims that are w/o doubt. They still say no. I am seeking a good lawyer who can get past the VA doctor’s severely-lacking documentation of events. I have even offered to take a lie-detector test which they have also rejected. The truth is in me, but they don’t want to hear it… again.
Anyone who passed through the gates of Ubon AFB, Thailand, was exposed to AO. The government just calls it like they want it to be and the majority of those exposed go without compensation. More at UncaBilly’s Life Network Blog.
Myfather was sprayed by Agent Orange. He was in the Navy. He earned a purple heart and a gokd star! He is still alive. My brother was born shortly after my father was sprayed and my brother has challenges. We know its due to the fact that my father was sprayed. I also had Spinal meningitus at 4 weeks old. Though we will never know if that was a ramification of the Agent Orange. But, my brother suffers daily with challenges and not being normal. He knows he is different and cries about it frequently. As he just wants to know what “being normal would be like.” he says. My heart cries for my brother as well as my father. He has nightmares about the veitnam war and refuses to talk about it. He was boo’d and disliked when he came back to the US after that war. My motherhas said many times that my father is not the same man before the war. I pray daily for our war heros.
My husband was in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange. He was a Navy Corpsman with the Marines. He served 2 years in Vietnam. After he came home he developed a very rare type of lung cancer and died in 1982 at the age of 33. He left behind 2 daughters, ages 6 and 9 at his death. I filed a claim immediately with the VA but it took them 12 years to award a service connected death. My youngest daughter has learning disabilities. I am also wondering if the skin condition in my older daughter called Rosacea is all an affect of her father being exposed to agent orange?
Reading this on Memorial Day.So tragic. I have heard about so many children with learning disabilities- but not much info on the type of learning issues. I have bladder cancer, and my daughter is Autistic. Nobody has specifically associated A/O and Autism- but exposure to chemicals is one of many theories.The VA has a list of presumptive causes but it does not answer the many questions that need to be addressed. Skin issues are also common, but
hard to prove.
I wish you all the best – you seem like a strong person.
Ed
I served in Viet Nam in 1972 and 1973. After coming back I began having problems with foot pain. This continued and worsened after I got out of the Army in 1974. I went to at least 3 podiatrists over about a six month period. None gave me any lasting relief. I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy by VA doctors in 2013 or 2014. This is on the A/O list however it is tagged with early onset requirement. After filing for compensation I was denied because I missed the deadline to file. Because of the early onset rule created by CONGRESS I was required to file within ONE YEAR of leaving Viet Nam. FORTY YEARS BEFORE I KNEW I HAD IT. It is now in both legs past my knees and both arms up to the elbows or a little higher. In 1974 the Doctors were normally misdiagnosing it. Before getting out of the Army my wife miscarried at five and one half months of pregnancy. This happened around late 1973. There are many stories just like ours out there. They are so much alike you could literally just change the names and it would be our story again and again. Agent Orange? All had been exposed.
God bless you!
Stay strong
Jim Pierce
Jim, hearing your issues (understatement!), may not fix the pain, disappointment’s, and frustration -but it helps to know that there are so many of us that are dealing with similar concerns, and we are not alone. Thank You, Jim.
Ed
I just had a Marine friend who passed away last week with a massive Hard attack he was 70 years old and a Vietnam veteran.