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Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Steve on 4/30/2013, 22:18:50

Today received approval letter for exposure to herbicides causing diabetes 2. Took exactly one yr for approval from the Detroit VA office. Filed herbicides, not agent orange, used the May 2010 VA Bulletin, maps, pictures of myself working on flightline, Checo report, Army manual on herbicides, and etc. My Air force mos was fuels (pol) which was located near the perimeter.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by bill c. on 5/1/2013, 7:43:07, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Great news! Congrats.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by John Pettijohn on 5/1/2013, 11:13:25, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Glad to hear this. It is great news. Congrats.
I've waiting for mine 21 now. According to VSO it is suppose to be moved to the ratings.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Susie on 5/1/2013, 13:27:07, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Dear Steve,

That is so so wonderful!!! I am so very excited for you and others who may have worked on the flight line!! Daddy worked in the FMS building and I heard it was about 300 yards or so from the nearest perimeter...

I love to hear when our Takhli Veterans receive their benefits... We appreciate you all and I am so sorry for all that you all have to go through to have them approved.

I am hoping that our other Veterans here will too have their day!

Susie

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Mary on 5/2/2013, 7:32:40, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Congratulations, Steve. Your success gives us all hope, thanks for sharing.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by NEAL C. LINDER on 5/2/2013, 8:55:35, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Steve get for you. I am posting my e-mail because i need your help. I have turned in claim for diabetes type 2 in nov 2011. 1968-1969 takhli
EB-66 crew chief. worked 12 on 12 off every day rotated every two months. slao did guard duty on perimeter. ncl97@msn.com

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Leonard westenberg on 5/2/2013, 13:25:39, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Great news steve

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Dennis on 5/3/2013, 13:12:45, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Congratulations on winning your claim. Sounds you had a lot of good evidence stuff put together. I also won my claim a few months ago too using the things you said helped you plus a few more. Mine took 20 months. I, like apparently you did too, got my ducks in a row and had lots of ducks.
Again, Congratulations. Big stress relief winning that thing. A lot of work getting to that point.
I had duty that brought me to many areas of the flightline plus I pulled augmentee perimeter guard duty for a months.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Dennis on 5/3/2013, 13:34:10, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

I filed for exposure to agent orange and other herbicides.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by michael chapin on 5/3/2013, 18:12:14, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

That is great news,just received notice that my claim was denied after 24 months I was an aircraft arresting barrier tech working on the runway and on both sides and ends well into the perimeter they stated I could not have been exposed as their records show tactical herbicides were only used during April 2 through September 8 of 1964 and I was their in 1972 they stated my mos did not put me where I could have been exposed and of course boots on the ground it's clear some of these people are not trained to do their jobs I will not give up as long as I have options

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Dennis on 5/3/2013, 22:17:21, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Correction---my post said "I pulled augmentee perimeter guard duty for a months". Should have been one month. I pulled a month of guard duty shortly after I arrived at Takhli. Not months of it.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by steve on 5/4/2013, 5:52:19, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Mike read May 2010 VA Bulletin clearly states from 1961 to 1975 duty in Thailand you are covered for herbicides exposure per VA. Sounds like your mos also clearly defines where you worked. Gather up all the proof on the internet that shows where your duty work area was. Use any maps and photos you can find. This website has a great pool of airman on it with there emails for buddy letters. More and more claims are being approve on Thailand exposure but proof of perimeter duty is the key. Just look forward to the day of your appeal hearing, and good luck finding any helpful info. Steve

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by michael chapin on 5/4/2013, 9:01:41, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Steve thank you for the encouragement ,what I need is either a map of the base or the distance from the side and ends of the runways to the fence line we dug deep holes on both sides of the runway by hand to anchor the barriers 200 feet from the sides of the runways which I believe put us well into the perimeter. During operation we had to stage well into the perimeter for safety reasons while the aircraft caught the cable. If anyone could help me my address is gpachapin@gmail.com

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Dennis on 5/4/2013, 10:04:16, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Michael,
Steve's right about what he posted here.
What's your email address? I'll send you a few things you may find useful.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Al on 5/4/2013, 12:42:06, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

All, someone in these posts mentioned the May 2010 Compensation & Pension Service Bulletin...This document needs to be downloaded for use with claims. Pay particular attention to page 3 the paragraph on the right side of this page (3) that begins with “DOD has provided information that commercial herbicides were used within the confines of Thailand bases………” However there is some evidence that the herbicides used on Thailand base perimeters may have been either tactical, procured from Vietnam, or commercial variant of much greater strength and with charasteristics of tactical herbicides.......therefore.........

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Dennis on 5/4/2013, 12:47:07, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Michael,
I'll shoot you an email. I've got a few things I think you could use.
...Dennis

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Pedro cartagena on 5/5/2013, 6:01:16, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

I was deployed from Nellis AFB with the 474TFW in sep 1972
to Takhli to mar 73.I need any information about sleeping quartes and the tank farm (outside storage area) in realation to perimeter of the Base .i handle drums of different herbicides and many other harmful materials.VA needs proof.photos of maps,approof claims letters of vets and anything tha can help me show supporting avidence for my claim will be greatly appreciate

I

474TFW

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Gary Schreiber on 5/8/2013, 19:00:59, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

I was crew chief eb66 jan 67 to 68 the va denied my exposure for agent orange I know when were on the trim pad we were very close to the perimeter
does any one have a map of the base that shows were the perimeter is
Thanks
gary

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Dennis on 5/9/2013, 14:24:54, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

What's your email address? Share your email address if you feel comfortable doing it.
There's probably a lot of guys ( or some anyway) that would maybe send you some useful information by private email or mail that they wouldn't otherwise just post.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Larry Gee on 5/10/2013, 17:58:47, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Great News Steve. I worked in the Bomb Dump. Filed one year ago but still waiting for an answer. Where is the Detroit VA office. I filled in Mt Clemens.

Larry

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Steve on 5/12/2013, 14:29:40, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Larry ,VA regional is downtown Detroit. After filing, I received first letter from VA asking for proof of boots on ground after 6 months, I wrote back stating I filed for Herbicides, not AO and did not need boots on ground for Thai. Then received approval letter in exactly one year from Det office

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Martin Britt on 5/23/2013, 23:10:41, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Steve, Congratulations as well. I am doing all the leg work for my father, Farriel Britt, who was at Takli in 68. 779th TAC, 464th TAS pneudralic repairman on all C-130 assigned there. Having trouble establishing boots on ground and need all the help I can get. I have complete service records, but no "golden nugget" to seal the proof. Claim submitted 02/12 and still waiting. I had the VSO do an expedite due to advanced prostate cancer and complete prostectomy plus added to the AO national registry. But VA still wants boots on ground. Thanks to all who can help. mbritt275@hotmail.com

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by albert jarrell (a1c) on 5/26/2013, 23:54:09, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

have type 2 diabetes based at takhli pulled guard duty in bomb dock, helped to recover b-66 crashed an went off run way into bonnies have letter of comindation. been denied twice can you help me how do i prove it to v.a.?

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Steve on 5/28/2013, 9:45:16, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Martin, their asking for boots on ground for agent orange. I would write back that your filing for Herbicides in Thailand using the VA May 2010 CP Bulletin. Now you need to prove your father worked on the flight line near the perimeter. Tough, but there is info on internet. You need to show where his work duty was. Look at the Thailand Combined Website which has a roster of Taklhi vet and where they worked. VA is looking for proof of where he worked. I used maps, base photos, and etc for my approval at Udorn for herbicides. good luck

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Martin Britt on 5/28/2013, 11:09:01, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Steve, Thank you very much for your help. It's really on point! His enlisted record shows 779 and 464 assignment with overseas block showing TDY 68-69 with AFOUA awarded for those dates. The AFHRA just contacted me and sent the entire official history record of 779th and thier deployment to Cam Rahn Bay 68. The rep stated that since its official correspondence, I can forward his email to our VSO rep and send up. I am definitely hiting all your leads so I can dig up more. I'll keep the forum informed. 😃👍

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Dennis on 5/28/2013, 18:25:21, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Albert,
If you have an official commendation letter about you working on a crashed B-66 that went off the runway that would be /should be solid evidence that had you working on or very near the runway if not on the runway or overrun at the end. Couple that with aerial photos of Takhli showing proximity of the runway to the East perimeter and indicate where you were working when recovering the crashed B-66. Use the aerial photo from the CHECO report along with one or more Google Earth photos of present day Takhli RTAFB. THe flightline areas are virtually unchanged from the time you were stationed there. The Google Earth photos have distance scales that you can use to show distances between the perimeter and the area you worked in. You can draw a distance scale on the CHECO photo using the distance between the runway and taxieway as a guide. If you're not using a VSO such as one from DAV or VFW to help you present stuff to the VA I highly suggest you do so. Doesn't cost you a dime and they will be a BIG help.
If you want me to send you the CHECO and Google photos I referred to then post your email address in response and I'll send them to you.
Also, I was a augmentee at Takhli too. Nothing in my records show that.

...Dennis

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by David Meli on 5/31/2013, 0:55:28, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

I have been fighting with the VA for years about Agent Orange but I was told they did not use it there when I was there. I was TDY with the 474TFW in 1973. I was a administration specialist 70250 but I also did auggie duty in and around hooch area. I keep getting denied and I also used the VA docs to show the agent orange but they keep dening me I can use all the help I can get.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Rich on 5/31/2013, 16:36:01, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Hi David,

I think the VA is eluding to the fact that the use of the Tactical Herbicide (Agent Orange) under the code name "Operation Ranch Hand" officially ended in 1971, two years before you got there. That being said, there is scientific evidence that support a very long life for the Agent Orange Dioxin. The Agent Orange Dioxin is a highly persistent chemical that only slowly degrades in the environment. Dioxin present in surface soil may take from 9 to 15 years to degrade to half its concentration. (Source: http://www.agentorangecanada.com/dioxin.php ) The question may be, did any of that dioxin saturated soil (dust) get blown around into the area where you worked. You were there when the Agent Orange Dioxin was only 2 years fresh into its 9 to 15 years of its potent life expectancy.

It is my opinion that the effects of Agent Orange lived on for many years after the official date of its termination in 1971. Probably well into the early 80's. AO is real nasty stuff.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by David on 5/31/2013, 19:24:54, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Rich,

Thank you for the info. How can I find the document that is mention in these post from the VA. I was told by the VA it was not used on our base and that came from the government. I was TDY in 73 than I volunteered to stay the rest of the year. Now I just have to find all my old pictures of where I worked which was next to the flightline. Thanks for your help.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Rich on 5/31/2013, 20:37:37, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

David,

Vietnam-era Veterans whose service involved duty on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits.

Source: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/thailand.asp

This document claims possible perimeter AO exposure at Takhli RTAFB all the way up until 1975 which covers the year you were there (1973).

I hope this helps your case. Don't give up.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Steve on 6/1/2013, 13:54:14, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Dave, type in on the web " VA CP May 2010 Bulletin" which gives everyone info from the VA on how they handle herbicide exposure claims for Thailand Veterans. Most updated information for claims.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Mike on 6/1/2013, 16:51:46, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Better make that-----how they ARE SUPPOSE to handle herbicide exposure claims for Thailand Veterans.

Just because that document (VA CP May 2010 Bulletin) is on the VA's own website doesn't mean the VA people doing your claim know about that document or if they do know about it that they would use it to help you or even tell you about. Print it out and submit it along with your other evidence and research materials.Don't even assume your VSO knows about it. Print it out to make sure they know about it and what it says. Don't assume anything.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Mike on 6/1/2013, 17:06:44, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Same is true about the CHECO report. Don't assume the VA people doing your claim know about it. Some would say they have to know about that. Yes, you would think so. But, print out and submit sections of it including that aerial photo of Takhli. It was shot in the late 60's or in 1970 or 71. Along with that submit recent Google Earth aerial photos of Takhli. If you submit it then it's right in front of them and they also know that you know about it. On those photos, mark them showing where you worked. On those photos the flightline areas in particular look the same. Show them that and that you know that.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by steve on 6/2/2013, 6:28:21, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Mike, you are so right, there are VA claim workers who are now learning about their own CP Bulletin on Thailand vet claims. I bet most VSO have no clue about this bulletin and others. First hint the VA is clueless, is when they ask for boots on ground in Viet paperwork and you have filed for a claim at a Thailand air base. Any paperwork supporting your claim and theirs on the internet need to be added to your support of claim.

I am the widow of Wayne Klunk who was at Takhli in 1968-1969

Posted by Maryann Klunk on 6/30/2013, 19:50:18, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Wayne Klunk died of cancer in 2007. I am in the process of making a VA claim for herbicide exposure in hopes of receiving a widow' s benefit .Can anyone help me.Thanks!

Re: I am the widow of Wayne Klunk who was at Takhli in 1968-1969

Posted by susie on 7/3/2013, 18:42:50, in reply to "I am the widow of Wayne Klunk who was at Takhli in 1968-1969"

Dear MaryAnn,

Im sorry for the loss of your husband and our beloved Veteran.

I will send you an email to see if I can share a map or see how i could help you...

I am not a Veteran ... But I am a daughter, and can try to help you in some way.. These Veterans may also be able to help you... I hope you can locate his buddies...

I will send you an email to your email address..

susie

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Merv Hayner on 7/27/2013, 9:00:18, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Received my brown envelope yesterday from VA.
Was APPROVED for disability for HERBICIDE exposure diabetes type II, Peripheral vascular disease left and right side associated with diabetes II (HERBICIDE). BACK DATED TO 2005, original claim date. Long hard process but I can tell you that all the help and info provided from here worked. In particular, the VA quoted the bulletin May 2010 as reference plus they did the Herbicide (AO) screening physicals and last I got my Senators office involved. We are winning slow but sure. Keep fighting for what you deserve. WELCOME HOME BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Dennis on 7/28/2013, 10:42:24, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Fantastic news Merv.
A lot of pressure and frustration off your head now.

...Dennis

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by steve on 7/28/2013, 14:36:40, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Merv, maybe you could share some helpful info on where you worked by the perimeter, MOS, squadron, what basic info about the perimeter you used to win your claim. 2005, nice back pay check. Any info, I am sure would be helpful to our brothers and sisters at Takhli on their appeals. Steve

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Larry Gee on 8/23/2013, 19:02:35, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

Dennis,

I worked in the Bomb Dump. Also pulled Augmentee for a month. My claim was denied. I have Ischemic Heart Disease. Any Info would help.

Thanks

Larry
lg1948@hotmail.com

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by DAN MORTENSEN on 10/11/2013, 9:49:04, in reply to "Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

STEVE
GREAT JOB, IS THERE ANYWAY YOU COULD E-MAIL ME SOME PICTURES OF TAKHLI FLIGHT LINE OR TRIM PAD
I WORKED IN THE PHASE HANGER ON THE F 105'S
DEC 67/68.
THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE.
DAN MORTENSEN
DRMORTINC@YAHOO.COM
5840 MONTINA VINES ST
NORTH LAS VEGAS,NV 89081

Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved

Posted by Willie Flowers on 3/2/2015, 16:34:43, in reply to "Re: Thailand Herbicides Exposure Claim Approved "

I work was a fuel specialist POL and on flight line and I delivered Diesel fuel to generator on the perimeter. If you have pictures or other information I would appreciate it. I have a hearing coming soon with the Board of appeals.Thanks

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