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Viet Nam vets with PC

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Posted 8/29/2009 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
For any new guys on this site: if you ar a Viet Nam vet and have PC you are eligable for VA benefits. Service connected disability is presumptive; which mean that you only have to prove you were in Nam and that you have PC. You get at least a year of 100% disability payments, about $3,000/mo. It takes about 8 months to process and you get retroactive payments from the date you applied. You also get a service connected disability that puts you at the head of the line for any VA medical services. You don't have to get your PC treatments at the VA.

JohnT

Posted 8/29/2009 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
how much proof? our VP-17 refueled all the time in cam ran bay, before flying back to the PI. So my feet were on the ground, would that count?

david in sc
Posted 8/29/2009 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
David,

It should count. I have several friends that were F4 jocks stationed in Thailand that just landed at Ton Son Nut for fuel and food and received full benefits. They start with your DD-214. Regardless, its worth a shout. What is there to lose? I was Army on the ground and I received over $3000 for approximately 18 months and will continue to receive approximately $1200/month until I croak, so it's not small change. And, although I don't use it much at this time, VA care is a lot better than a lot of people say...I have heard many good compliments from fellow vets.

TSFFZ
Posted 8/29/2009 6:59 AM (GMT 0)
Here is an article that may be helpful for blue water Vietnam veterans who were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Benefits were given until a 2002 decision reversing that.  Now things are very ambiguous, but for all intents and purposes claims are usually denied.

http://www.nvlsp.org/Information/ArticleLibrary/AgentOrange/AO-hassvnicholson.htm

Posted 8/29/2009 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
JohnT,
You have my attention now. How do I even start step one? Is it something I need to go to a VA center to initiate, or someplace on line.
We flew Market Time missions in the South China Sea, and would refuel at Cam Ran Bay normally unless it was too "hot", our P-3's were unarmed, and our back up was U Tapa (?) in Thailand. Tell me how to get the process going, time is one thing I have plenty of.

In Greenville, there is a good VA outpatient clinic, not that old. In Asheville, there is a VA hospital with a good reputation. In Columbia, there is one with a bad reputation. And in Anderson, SC, there is a VA mental facility.

David in SC
Posted 8/29/2009 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hey purgatory.
I served on the USS Pine Island anchored in Cam Ranh Bay from 1966-1967 supporting VP-48/50. I am presently filling out the claim. You can download the form from the VA website.
Posted 8/29/2009 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Boot, wow, VP-50 was our sister squadron.. We both came out of Barbers Point, HI, and set up shop in Sangley Point, PI. You were there a bit before me, I was there in 1971. I am going to start something on this idea of JohnT. I have nothing to lose.

We would be so excited when we finally saw land again, i.e. Nam or Thailand, it's hard to believe how tedious and boring it was to be strapped to a hard bench/seat in a hot observation bubble for 12-16 hour missions flying a couple of hundred feet above the water. At least near shore, we would actually see stuff below.

David in SC
Posted 8/29/2009 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Locally, our county governments, working in conjunction with maybe the VFW and the American Legion, have Veterans Service Officers available to help with the process of applying for, and administering the paperwork for benefits. Check listing at the courthouse. That might be a good place to start. Also calling VFW, American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and the POW/MIA motorcycle group Rolling Thunder maybe? - sorry can't remember the name right now, would get you some info, they are really active in helping with things of this nature. There's a very good chance you are eligible.

I am sorry that we haven't been posting this info here, it's been done in the past, and I hate to think you and others may have lost out on getting the benefits. Sorta one of those " I thought everyone knew it" deals.
Posted 8/29/2009 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
David,
I did it my self by dowloading forms from the VA website. If I were to do it again I would follow James advice and go to a local VA service rep. They know exactly how to word the application to avoid any rejections.
JohnT
Posted 8/29/2009 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Good advice, there's a local VA guy close to me in Clemson, may give him a call Monday, if I am going to try this, would like to do it with the least amount of mistakes ,and learn from you guys that know the ropes.

David in SC
Posted 8/30/2009 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
I was wondering about this as I read that you are at increased risk for PC if you were in Viet Nam and also if you had a vasectomy. was wounded in 69 just outside An Khe. To get this I assume you must not be able to work anymore? Anyway thanks for the info and David hope that you are doing well.

Michael

Posted 8/30/2009 2:59 AM (GMT 0)

 Michael, no, if you're boots on the ground vet...you're eligable, plus with your service connection due to combat it's a go. Go to your Veterans Service Officers or a VA facility and get the paperwork started so you can began recieving what's due you. Good Luck

Posted 8/30/2009 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Blue,

I bookmarked a site way back when I was first diagnosed with PCa thru the VA. Did have a service connected disability for awhile back in the 70's due to injuries. Just got tired of dealing with the VA. But this is something I might have to look at due to ongoing problems after the surgery. Enjoy the coming of falll everyone.

Michael

Posted 9/1/2009 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Finally getting around to requesting re-eval from VA

Prostate Cancer and Peripheral nueropathy both are caused by AO. Anderson AFB Guam was/is proluted for sure but you have to prove you were exposed. I spent 5 years working around the flight line but don't know what they will say.

Already have some service connected since retirement in 1983.Mostly Arthiritis which has gotten a lot worse.

I have all my paper work and have the forms completed to apply.

We shall see

Rich

Posted 9/1/2009 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Rich,

Can you say a little more about the nueropathy symptoms as I think that is what I am partially dealing with. bee sting like feelings around the navel but pin and needle type pain around the waist and down the legs, up the back to the neck and arms. Gets worse while sitting but I have to see my GI later today due to some complications and not sure that he can diagnose the nueropathy. I really dont like to focus on the problems but sure am ready for them all to take leave. Intersting that with my right hand now, the thumb is such that I cant squeeze anything hard or open a jar lid. never had that before.

Michael

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