In an attempt to disqualify a veteran from receiving benefits testimony from the historical agency states he couldn't have been exposed to herbicides because they didn't use herbicides at Takhli, Thailand except the period of April through September 1969.
The appeals board ended up awarding the claim to the veteran but I just used this information on my appeal since I was assigned there during that time period. I also tried to bring up the DOD 500 meter drift since it should be relevant to the claim. Appeal was only submitted two weeks ago and included my evaluation that pointed out some of my duties included driving on the base and trips downtown through the main gate and base perimeter.
I will copy and paste the part of the exact verbiage and include the case number if any of you want to refer to this on your appeals or application for compensation.
In March 2017, written correspondence from an archivist at the Air Force Historical Research Agency was provided regarding the Veteran's claim to herbicide exposure and daily morning reports. The archivist stated that in June 1966, the United States Air Force ceased using morning reports, so there were none to document the Veteran's time in Thailand. In addition, the archivist stated that Takhli Air Force Base did not use any herbicides for any vegetation control around its perimeter until April through September 1969, and thus the Veteran could not have incurred herbicide exposure.
We all know that is B.S. on not using herbicides but it is important that they did admit a specific time where it was used, especially if you were there.
Citation Nr: 1729898
Decision Date: 07/27/17 Archive Date: 08/04/17
DOCKET NO. 12-28 077 ) DATE
)
)
On appeal from the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in
Muskogee, Oklahoma
THE ISSUES
3. Entitlement to service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
2. Entitlement to service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
3. Entitlement to service connection for lung cancer, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
REPRESENTATION
Veteran represented by: Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
Anyone interested in reading the citation can google it by just the citation number. If you aren't computer savvy and want me to send you the entire citation just email me and I can make that happen.
What I really enjoyed reading was their testimony and the fact the board awarded the veteran anyhow.
Just proves what many of the guys on the board have been saying, keep the ball rolling and never give up. Good luck and don't forget to write your senator and congressional representatives for presumption for all Thailand veterans.
gwarren4@att.net
191
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