Veterans who trained at U.S. military bases, now struggling with serious health issues, are voicing their concerns over exposure to Agent Orange and fighting for compensation that has long been granted to their counterparts who served in Vietnam. Despite their service on American soil, these veterans are meeting resistance in their battle for recognition and benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
For Dean Osborn, time spent at Fort Ord in California was marked by rigorous training in areas now recognized to be contaminated with carcinogenic pollutants, including Agent Orange. However, the Pentagon’s list of sites where herbicides were tested and used, which has been criticized as “inaccurate and incomplete” by the Government Accountability Office, does not include Fort Ord, among other bases.
Agent Orange, a 50-50 concoction of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, includes the highly toxic dioxin TCDD, linked to several cancers and chronic conditions. This deadly chemical has been banned in the U.S. Osborn, now battling health crises including prostate cancer—a recognized Agent Orange-related illness—has been denied benefits, with the VA attributing his cancer to age rather than military service.
Studies indicate that diseases caused by environmental factors can take years to manifest, adding complexity to veterans’ efforts to prove their conditions are service-related. Environmental activist Pat Elder has unearthed documents pointing to widespread herbicide use at Fort Ord, contradicting the VA’s stance based on insufficient evidence.
The recent VA proposal to extend benefits for Agent Orange exposure at certain U.S. bases offers a glimmer of hope, but without including locations like Fort Ord, many veterans are left in limbo. Osborn’s plight reflects the frustration of many who feel betrayed by the military they served, having to fight their own VA for recognition and aid.
California Healthline interviewed six veterans who expressed their desire for the military to assume accountability. The Pentagon remained silent on inquiries concerning the maintenance of the list or the procedures for including locations.
Relevant articles:
– Exposed to Agent Orange at US Bases, Veterans Face Cancer Without VA Compensation, Military, 04/30/2024
– Exposed to Agent Orange at US Bases, Veterans Face Cancer Without VA Compensation, California Healthline, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:45:55 GMT
– Exposed to Agent Orange at US Bases, Veterans Face Cancer Without VA Compensation, Kaiser Health News, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:50:59 GMT
– U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown discusses new VA healthcare at Veterans Roundtable in Mansfield, AOL, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 20:59:42 GMT
– Veterans Receive Vital Support And Benefits At PACT Act Event, Veterans Affairs, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 21:50:05 GMT