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Agent Orange Vietnam Vets Parkinson's Disease

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Parkinson's Disease
Do you have agent orange and parkinson's?
Yes - 47.2% - 42 votes
No - 10.1% - 9 votes
Yes and I also have Type II Diabetes - 7.9% - 7 votes
Yes and I also have High Blood Pressure - 24.7% - 22 votes
Yes and I also have Type II Diabetes and High Blood presssure. - 10.1% - 9 votes
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Posted 7/7/2009 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Vietnam vets,Check Parkinson's Action Network for info on HR 1428 which addresses compensation for pd vets.Ed
Posted 7/17/2009 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Please advise an update on the government approval of Agent Orange and Parkinsons.  My husband served in Korea in 1968/1969 and passed away in 2005 from MSA which is Parkinsons+ disease...  I have had a claim filed for several years and have a hearing pending.  Need any information possible so when my hearing comes up I will have ample information to substantiate my claim.  Thanks to any of you for any help that I can get.
Posted 7/18/2009 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Please contact me at [email protected] for information that can help you with your claim.  It may be a few days before I repond as I will be traveling.

Alan

Posted 7/25/2009 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
My husband has Multiple System Atrophy which is a Parkinson's Plus syndrome, which affects not only the motor nerves, but the autonomic systems as well. He was on a surface ship in Vietnam in 1971. They came close enough to shore to be affected by overspray of Agent Orange.
He is now 56 years old, completely disabled and on hospice care. I am working with the Vietnam Veterans Assn. trying to get his disabilty rating with the VA increased. He is now at 20% for hearing loss, and a foot injury.
I recently read that studies have indicated a connection between heart disease, Parkinson's and Agent Orange. This could be the proof that we need to get more help from the VA.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20090724/hl_hsn/agentorangelinkedtoparkinsonsheartdisease

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-us-veterans-agent-orange,0,6416109.story
Posted 7/26/2009 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
My father who is 63, was diagnosed about 10 years ago with Parkinson's disease. He also has constant chronic respitory problems with asthma, and sinus infections. He was in Vietnam in 1967. I believe that he has this due to Agent Orange. I cannot believe the Veteran's Affairs doesn't consider this disease as caused by Agent Orange. Please send me any information you can. I worry that he doesn't have much more time with us.

His daughter,

Sarah

[email protected]
Posted 7/26/2009 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
I too have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I served in Viet Nam from 69-70. Would like to have info if governemnt with compensate for this illness

Posted 7/31/2009 7:55 PM (GMT 0)

My name is Dawn. My husband is 61 and was diagnosed with Parkinsons about 1 year ago. I was fortunate to find Alan on a website and he was able to give me a wealth of information on Parkisons Disease. We did immediately put in a claim for Parkinsons through VA and have heard nothing back yet. My husband was in the center of the heaviest spray area doing tank recovery and evacuation and has multiple health issues, now this. He is currently on Aziltec (sp?) for about 2 months (after trying the Levodopa with side effects) this new medicine is doing nothing for his tremor, he still works construction and I fear he will hurt himself due to the mediciations he is currently taking. He is also on Celexa for PTSD. We would love to join in on supporting the vets as we know this is a direct cause of the Agent Orange Exposure. He also has about 50 lipomas over his body and when he gets them removed they grow back in another spot.  Any suggestions for medicine other than what I mentioned that VA can try?  Thanks guys and dont give up, thank you for serving!!! Blessings!

Posted 8/3/2009 5:20 AM (GMT 0)

I was diagnosed in 2001 with Parkinson's and I am also a vietnam vet..............I recicved an email from a frined that stated that Parkinson's was added to "the list" for agent orange................ is that correct?  I am currently 100% diabled, and get my meds from the VA for Parkinson's. But, I want to apply for anyother benefits that may be avasilable ......

Thanks

niceokie

Posted 8/4/2009 7:11 AM (GMT 0)
Alan, I was diagnosed in 1998 with Parkinson's at age 51, and I am also a Vietnam vet. I am a decorated vetran who served in the 327th infantry, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division in 1967 and 1968. I began having symptoms of Parkinsons in my early 40s. I have lost my job, my driving privledges and my home. At age 58 I was put in a nursing facility. I have a 10% service connected disibility that pays a little over $100 a month. The VA still doesn't reccognize PD as an effect of AO. You can get in touch with me at [email protected]. I would like to join in on supporting the vets. I know this is a direct cause of agent orange exposure.
Posted 8/5/2009 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
My Father has Parkinson's and diabetes, and also was successfully treated for prostrate cancer. He was at Cam Ranh Bay
in 1968. He has filed a claim and is having difficulty even obtaining his records that prove that he was there. Has anyone
else had them turn down your DD 214 as proof for being there, denying you were there when you have pictures, a envelope
with a letter that says free (for postage) and letter from someone in government who tells you thank you for serving? I don't understand
why my Father is having such a tough time getting help when he did what he was told to do and put his country first. And, in my research
I am having a hard time with hearing all those people out there who are fighting to get benefits for Parkinson's when I found an article, if it
is true, that said that a couple people did get approval for a connection between Parkinson's and Agent Orange. (For article I am referencing, see the following link: http://vets4politics.blogspot.com/2009/03/veterans-with-parkinsons-disease.html). I am a veteran's daughter and wife and my husband is currently serving in the Air National Guard, and it just saddens me to see those who really need help not getting it!
Posted 9/24/2009 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I served in the USAF 1067 - 1972. I did not go to Vietnam. I was diagnosed with PD in 2005. Does anyone have any information or leads about spraying of AO in the US; particularly in Nevada during that time?

Thanks

John
Posted 10/5/2009 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
I served in Danang AB Viet Nam from 1969 to 1970, maintaining the Ranch Hand spary birs, which dispersed Agent Orange. I have Parkinson's Disease, Type II diabetes and hypertension. My doctor told me flatly the Agent Orange exposure caused Parkinsons. PD and Diabeted led to neuropathy iin both feet and my right hand. I plan on going to the VA for assistance. My email address is jlclayborn at aol dot com.
Posted 10/6/2009 6:08 AM (GMT 0)
My name is Ron.  I served in 'Nam and was exposed to agent orange.  Who wasn't?!  I have PD and high blood pressure and PTSD.

Have a VA psych who diagnosed PTSD but then doesn't listen and record my symptoms. I got my records because I plan on filing a claim.  That's when I noticed that the Dr. hadn't recorded my rages, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal ideations and, get this, he also said that I was "future oriented"...how the hell can you be future oriented, when you want your life to end, feel paranoic and want to stay glued to The Andy Griffith Show, Lucy, etc.   What good does that do?  Saw my advisor today and, of course, she said to request a new doctor.  If they won't assign one, I'm to get the Patient Advocate involved.Would appreciate any feedback anyone may have.  I noticed that HR Bill 1428 has been referred to Committee.  Anyone know how this might pan out?  Thanks.

Posted 10/14/2009 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
There is good news as of yesterday. A few agent orange related diseases, including Parkinson's, have been added to the list at the VA.

http://www.kansascity.com/440/story/1506334.html

VA expands benefits status for Vietnam vets
The Associated Press
The Veterans Affairs Department said Tuesday it plans to make it easier for Vietnam veterans exposed to the agent orange herbicide who suffer from certain medical conditions to qualify for VA benefits.
The conditions are B cell leukemias, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic heart disease....
Posted 10/14/2009 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
My husband has high blood pressure and was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few months ago. He served in Vietnam 1968-1969.

Has anyone here filled out the paper work at the VA? It appears that you need to do so even if you have too much money right now to qualify for benefits since you might need help down the road. (My impression at the VA site and I could be mistaken.) If someone has been through the process, it would help the rest of us go through the sign-up smoothly.
Posted 10/22/2009 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, joining the club here....I am 63, a Navy version of a Vietnam vet, in country 69-70 on an LST supporting PBR craft. I was diagnosed last month with PD, had symptoms for a year before getting in to see a neurologist.   Have been told years ago that my prostrate is enlarged, but so far no evidence of cancer.  Had issues with manual dexterity/lightheadiness/balance off and on as much as 8-10 years ago, but nothing long enough or often enough to make a diagnosis.

I just filled out the VA forms related to getting compensation for the PD.  Did it on line, and had to have my wife do the typing after I messed it up and lost it twice.   That back button is too close to the File button, and if you hit the back button, you lose all the data entered....We wil be visiting the nearest VA office next week with the forms and getting the process started.

IMO, this should rate at least 50% disability, especially for those still trying to work for a living.  I retired early, under pressure from my employer, about the time I started getting the  "issues".    Good thing my wife had a good job..

If my brother can get 50% for his hearing loss, certainly PD rates that much.

Posted 10/22/2009 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
BTW, there are 4 sections to the VA form, it is form number 21-526.   Most of us would fill out parts A, B, and C, for compensation.  You fill out parts A, C, and D for seeking a pension and it appears to be means tested.  They want to know how much you make, how much you have, how much your spouse makes, etc.

If you seek both, you fill out all 4 sections.

I filled out mine seeking compensation only, and if I understand it correctly, you can be a multi-millionaire and still get compensation in a monthly check...

My neighbor (at our northern Utah summer home)  is a retired air force colonel with some kind of not too obvious disability, and he gets a break on his property taxes.  Some states are generous that way, some are not.  

Posted 11/12/2009 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
I think you misinterpreted the VA application. If you apply for a pension, you have a monetary limitation. If you apply for compensation, there is no monetary limitation. So be sure that when you apply online, you do NOT ask for a pension.

TadpoleToFrog said...
My husband has high blood pressure and was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few months ago. He served in Vietnam 1968-1969.

Has anyone here filled out the paper work at the VA? It appears that you need to do so even if you have too much money right now to qualify for benefits since you might need help down the road. (My impression at the VA site and I could be mistaken.) If someone has been through the process, it would help the rest of us go through the sign-up smoothly.

Posted 11/13/2009 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I am a VietNam Vet that has good news if you have not heard.

The VA has finally admitted that the following (3) diseases are now "Presumed Service-connected illnesses (B Cell Leukemias, Parkinson's disease and Ischemic heart disease.

Go to the DAV or whoever represents you and make sure you get all your health records in order and MAKE COPIES so in case the lose them you can remake the copies. I was in Nam for 18 months in 66, 67 and 68. Then I had a massive heart attack when I was 38 years old.

They finally admit to the AO having something to do with these illnesses.

Good Luck to all. I hope this information reaches anyone who has not heard.

Posted 11/29/2009 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Well, since my last post, it's only gotten worse. Now I am diagnosed with PTSD, Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson's Disease and Stage 3 of Kidney failure (due to VA's not alerting me that I was a diabetic when I had my orignal fasting blood work was done, I have lost more pancreatic cells and therefore the Kidney Disease diagnosis).

Anyone have any idea of how this claim might pan out?
Posted 12/4/2009 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
My father is a Vietnam Vet who was exposed to Agent Orange. He has already had prostate cancer twice and has Type II Diabetes. He is now showing, what we believe to be, symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. We are having a difficult time obtaining this diagnosis as he's also demonstrating some sort of dementia. Some small percentage of people with PD also have a high occurrence of dementia. However, my dad's neurologist is more focused on the dementia aspects and less on the PD symptoms. My father has trouble with his gait, posture and balance but only has very limited tremors and they're not consistent. Does anyone know of any other vets whose symptoms are presenting atypically? Has anyone had trouble getting the diagnosis from their neurologist because of complicating symptoms?

Thanks,
A very sad daughter
Posted 12/12/2009 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
marineantrooper, I was at Da Nang 1965-66 av. ordnance and on flight line daily. When returned to US in 66 started having breathing problems and very dry skin and conjunctiveitus. In 75 had basal cell cancer, Blood pressure started going up thru the years. Had triple by-pass last Sept., Jan of this year started what I called wobbly headiness. After many test at VA hosp in Atl. was told by 3 doctors I have the early stages of parkinsons. I filed a claim with VA today recieved normal request wanting to know any and all to confirm my claim, was constantly around I believe C-117s and the smell was worse than a farm supply house. Anyhelp with imfo would be greatly appreciated. Semper Fi.
Posted 12/13/2009 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
My husband, Gordon,  served in Vietnam from 1966-67 with the 1/9 Marines FLSG-A near DaNang.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1992 at the age of 46, although, the symptoms began at least 10 years prior to this final diagnosis. He was an iron-worker (steel erection) at that time and was not able to continue work. I retired in 2005 to care for him, he is now totally disabled.

He has been a patient at the Philadelphia Parkinson's Clinic at the VA Medical Center. He receives all his meds from the VA and has a local VA doctor and goes to the clinic at least every 3 months for evaluation. I registered him many years ago with a veterans agency that was studying agent orange.

Why is it not their responsibility to inform him that Parkinson's is now associated with agent orange exposure? Has the mission of the VA changed? I thought they were an advocate for veterans. Am I just naive? Is it now their intention to be the stumbling block for disabled veterans?

Gordon can no longer fight the battle.

LindaDelJ

Posted 12/19/2009 8:57 AM (GMT 0)
I was glad that PD was added to the VA OA list.  I was in Vietnam 69-70 and was diagnosed with PD and previously had prostate cancer.  However, as soon as PD was added, my neurologist changed his diagnosis to CBD.  I'll be going to a movement disorder clinic in Denver to confirm his diagnosis.  The main point is, just as I thought I was going to get some compensation, I get rediagnosed with something that's not on the list.
Posted 12/19/2009 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
I feel your pain. I know as soon as my husband is eligible for Parkinson's benefits, the neurologist will change the diagnosis to MSA. I do not have much faith in doctors or the VA.
What is CBD? MSA is multi system atrophy.
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