The main problem with the VA for Thailand vets is that the VA had discovered years ago that there was a loophole in the amendment pertaining to Thailand vets and the perimeter issue for granting service connection with the way law/amendment was written & passed. The VA decided to circumvent the law with the word " INTERPRETATION" and how it is used in the draft of this (amendment). The VA can legally interpret this law anyway they want & how they see fit to benefit themselves, not the veterans, based on the wording terminology this law/amendment was drafted, and continue to deny claims for Thailand vets based on their interpretation. They don't care if you send them a citation or a 100 of them that was granted during an appeal for herbicide exposure. Any rater can choose to deny or grant a claim without viewing any previous citation on the same medical condition, same MOS, etc., and the VA has chosen which MOS they will honor.(base security mos) . It's a matter of luck & most success is with the Court in DC on appeals which can take 5-9 years. for a possible overturn. There is no accountability/ &/ or rating case law for a rater to adhere, They write up what they want. Basically, it's the luck of the draw, a few competent & caring raters per every 100 or whatever the percentage. Since we have no luck, the Vietnam Vets will continue to get screwed by the VA with their manipulation of the law.. it was Eric Holders group who was involved in drafting of this Thailand perimeter issue. They will continue to cover up & manipulate the data. Our legislature is working on drafting a new law to prevent the VA from manipulating these laws and data & close the loopholes.. as they are disgusted & continue to be swamped with angry Vietnam/Thailand vets. SO it's not a matter of meeting a requirement to be service connected..but.. the VA manipulating this data/law to deny Thailand and non Boots on the ground Vets. I don't know when this draft will be ready for a vote as they want to make sure it's solid when it's acted upon in the house. We'll all be dead by that time. I guess we will be dead by that time. I'm hoping with the Gulf War vets crying foul, the VA manipulated their data & denied their claims, they will concede the Vietnam era claims for exposure. Every American citizen should be outraged at the treatment of our VETS. There is no rating laws and it could be some kid who knows nothing who will deny you based on his interpretation while your buddy in a different part of the country will get his appeal
approved. We are truly screwed. You can see this by looking at citations and VA decesions. We all need to get together as a group and put it in their face.
1