Thanks to advice from fellow classmate & veteran John Rosenau, a couple of years ago I went to my local VAMC & registered for veteran's health benefits.  It was while there I learned about Agent Orange compensation.  Because the use of Agent Orange was so ubiquitous in Vietnam, the VA assumes that if you served in country between 1/9/62-5/7/75 you likely were exposed to Agent Orange & therefore are eligible for some level of compensation.  I was rated 20% disabled & awarded a modest monthly compensation.  So, if you were boots on the ground during the above period & have not contacted the VA yet, I urge you to do so.

Thanks for this valuable information, John. After being among the last of the draftees prior to the Lottery, I was stationed at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, as company clerk of the medical unit ("Radar") for my entire hitch after Basic Training. Meanwhile, nearly 100% of my BT company was sent to Nam, usually as infantrymen. I was much, much luckier than most, but I hope that your message reaches many of those who were not so fortunate. Take care, and thanks again.

When any classmate applies with VA makw sure you havw your DD214 military records. Without the DD214 you will refused any services. The VA web site lists all of the agent orange illnesses that covered by the agent orange program. I became a type 2 diabetic which the VA figured was angent orange related and the VA covers the testing supplies. Certainly every vet shoud investigate the VA programs.

First a word of thanks to Vernon for the kind recognition! John McCabe is correct on the necessity of the DD-214(discharge papers). You can register with the VAMC in your local area. They will interview you explaining how they can augment existing coverages. You can call for an appointment at some centers-or just show up at others. They will offer a exam in a number of areas to help you. You also be issued a VA  ID card to use at the hospital and clinics- all this will be free of charge.

They are very aggressive in helping with hearing aids- they will test and provide at no charge if determined "service connected"

On Agent Orange and PTSD(combat stress disorder)  - these are handled on a individual basis- there are a number of presumptive diseases that will qualify for disability - if you have one- you will want to work with a VSO(Veterans Service Officer)- these VSO's are provided by the the veterans groups you may already belong to(VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans Of America). In some states; ie. Tennessee- the state will provide your VSO. These officers work at no charge to help you get your benefits. You may also choose to hire an attorney depending on the facts in the case.

All of you filing can be done on the computer- log into VA.gov to take a look-it can be an extended process- it's a very large system and expect some waiting-      Semper Fi- John Rosenau

I have also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hearing loss.  Thanks to John Rosenau for making me aware that I may be compensated by the VA for both of these.  A bit of advise to other vets. Be sure to read up on how to word your request for compensation.  It can be tricky and if done incorrectly, the request will be denied.  

There is also a program within the Agent Orange one called the "Blue Water Navy"   Ships like my AGTR ("Technical Research" SIGINT) spent many months off the Delta where the Agent driffted out of the jungle.  We have therefore been categorized as exposed.  Thank goodness I only have bad ears that the VA has been helping with Hearing Aids.   Too bad fat tummy is not on the list. 

Lee:

Read your account of "Blue Water Navy and Agent Orange" All you say is true- you have also

completed an activity with the VA on your hearing aids- great first step.

I have counciled many veterans on VA benefits: I have covered these areas: Atomic Veterans,

Prostate Cancer, Lymphoma, Diabetes, PTSD, Tinnitus, Parkinsons Disease, Ischemic Heart

Disease, Hodgkins Disease, Lung Disease, and Multiple Myeloma - and there are more depending

on actual events you have been exposed to.

Lee- in most cases we will work with the agency of your choice- I am Commander of American Legion

Post 273 "Marine" also Life Member of VVA of America, and Life Member 1st Bn, 9th Marines Association

"The Walking Dead"

Please use me as a resouce if I can help in the future: jros289794@aol.com

Keep working on the pumpkins- looking forward to visiting   John Rosenau