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Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran

Posted by Larry Leonard on 4/8/2013, 20:04:53

I have been in the VA hospital system for some 12 yrs. and discovered recently that we are in Group 7or 8 classification and not Group 6.Those who served in Thailand are Vietnam "ERA" veterans and not Vietnam Veterans. Only those who were actually serving in country ( Vietnam ) are allowed in group 6.Even though we were given Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign(2 bonze stars) and Vietnam Gallantry with Palm, those do not qualify us. Seeing others having problems with agent orange claims (I'm not claimimg), I wondered who else was aware of the VA status for our healthcare. I believe that also holds true for those who served on Guam. This was verified by a local vets group and to a call I made to the Dept. of Veterans affairs.I was told that even included the pilots who went North. Also, that includes the Navy "Yankee"Station people. That's some gratification to alot guys.?? Anyone who may have knowledge other or differant than this I'd like to hear from you. I think this may become important as the VA system may try to,at some point,drop or change some classifications. Just something to think about.

Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran

Posted by steve on 4/8/2013, 22:06:36, in reply to "Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran"

Thailand vets who file a herbicides claim with the VA are a priority 6 not a 7. I filed for herbicide exposure from udorn and received a 6 rating. Also mil.com shows a group 6 for only thai vets that claim herbicide exposure as VA has agent orange testing for that group of vets.

Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran

Posted by Larry Leonard on 4/11/2013, 6:33:25, in reply to "Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran"

Hi Steve, Thanks for the reply.Is it ONLY those who have a claim for herbicide exposure being allowed in group 6? Again, I was told that NOONE stationed in Thai., Guam, or the Navy "Yankee Station" people was allowed in Group 6 ???. Sounds like some confussing or misinformation is being had. Also, it was said that WE were only Vietnam ERA vets and not Vietnam vets because we were not (IN COUNTRY)Vietnam.??? Hopefully others will see our notes and jump in with other thoughts or info.. I will try contacting the VA folks and see if I can get some additional clarification. Thanks again. Larry

Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran

Posted by Dave on 4/11/2013, 15:29:07, in reply to "Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran"

This whole issue about us being VN vets or not really baffles me. During WW2, there were those that never left the states, and many others were non-combatants stationed in England as support troops. In fact, I met an elderly gentleman not long ago who was wearing a ball cap that says he was a WW2 vet. I shook his hand and thanked him for his service. He said that he had never left the U.S.during the war, but was awarded ribbons for his service as a WW2 vet. As far as I know, ALL were WW2 vets. So, why is there this divide for all vets that participated during VN war?

Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran

Posted by steve on 4/11/2013, 21:39:41, in reply to "Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran"

Larry, only Thai vets that filed for AO or Herbcide exposure disability claims and registered for the agent orange exam are put in group 6 rating. Also any Thai vet that has won a VA claim with a disability rating of 0 percent or more also receives at least a group 6 rating depending on there disability. As for other Thailand vets, I do not know what the VA group rating is. Hope this helps.

Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran

Posted by Leonard westenberg on 4/12/2013, 5:14:49, in reply to "Re: Vietnam Veteran VS. Vietnam ERA Veteran"

I am in groupe 6 vietnam ERA veteran even though I have been denied 2 times

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