Widow of Vietnam Vet

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My husband was a Vietnam veteran. He died May 2003 of esophageal cancer. I filed a claim with the VA for benefits, but my claim was denied.

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Phil_A

I am sorry to hear of your loss and that another vietnam veteran died of this cancer related to agent orange. I am also a vietnam vet with EC and have also been denied by the VA and have appealed my case which will take years to hear anything. I will give you a website to write to at www.vawatchdog.org and click on to Jim Strickland, who is a veteran advocate and give him all the info related to this case. He has performed many wonderful acts for veterans and their widows. Please post your info or write me privately after you contact him. Phil A.

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Twiddles

My husband is also a veteran. He was exposed to huge amounts of a chemical called Trichlorethylene which was used as a degreaser to clean transmitter parts and filters. The chemical has been shown to cause kidney cancer, but there is still much debate over whether it should be added to the "list" of chemicals the VA will approve for benefits. So far it isn't on the list, and my husband's VA claim was denied. That stinks! We sure could have used the money. I think the VA just hopes these cases will get stuck in the red tape and maybe the veteran will die before they have to pay anything. Ugh!! It's so frustrating.

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Phil_A

I know the chemical you mentioned it was also used back then to clean weapons. You still have the right to appeal the VA decision just because its not on the presumtive list does not mean you will loose your case, if you can show that he used it in his job. Phil A.

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4 Posts | Page(s): 1