Squamas Cell Carcinoma and Agent Orange

Hi Jacki

I was stationed in Peliku in July 1967 to July 1968 and was diagnosed with base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma in August of 2007. Good luck in your effort with the VA.

God bless.       Phil

Phil,

Thank you for writing.  You will remain in Les and my thoughts and prayers.  PLEASE keep in touch so we know how things are going with you and yours.

GOD is soooo good even when we don't understand the whys in life.

Hugs.

Jacki

Jacki wrote-Do you by any chance know how many Viet-Nam era Vets have Squamous Cell Carcinoma??

Unfortunately no, as many Vietnam Veterans have died before the VA and the Government agreed that there was a real problem with the connection of Agent Orange and cancers. I know co-workers that served in Vietnam and they died in their 30's from stomach,kidney and liver cancers.

The records show that during the War, roughly 9.7-10 Million Americans served our Country, not all going to Vietnam, that number was roughly 2.7-2.9 depending who is counting. Anyway, a report came our some time ago stating that roughly 2/3's of those that served in-country have died already. Pretty scary numbers as I and my brother are 2 that served in-country.

I did doubt that number at first, but sat down and made a list of co-workers and friends that I knew that have died from cancers and were in Vietnam. Seems the count is real......

My Best to You and Everyone Here

On Apr 04, 2012 4:48 PM Mcb1979 wrote:

Good afternoon, I was reading some of your posts.  I am a Staff Sergeant currently serving on active duty.  I lost my father to the same cancer back in 2000.  He served in Vietnam for 2 years.  I have been trying to get a service connected claim so that my mother could receive some benefits.  I know that Cell Carcinoma is not listed on the Veteran Affairs list of Agent Orange diseases but I have recently learned of a case that went through appeals.  CITATION Nr:0304776 DOCKET #: 02-20 448, Appealed in Oakland California and full service related injury for Maxillary Squamas Cell Carcinoma.  The case was for a Sailor that had never stepped foot on Vietnam soil.  Look into this and use this reference when appealing.  Let me know how it works out.  Thank you for your service.  Army Strong

Hi mcb1979, I saw your post from last month.  My husband died 5 years ago from the same cancer, in the same site as the case you cited.  (Except my husband WAS in country and exposed daily to Agent Orange and jet fuel, etc.) I submitted that case. VA law doesn't seem to work the same as civilian law in considerng precedents. My case has just been dened again.  I have 30 days to present new evidence, so I'm hoping I can find more new precendents. Have you discovered anything else? Was you father's also in the sinus cavity?

Thank you for your service.

Hi all.  Well, this pit bull has found the Pot Of Gold at the end of the Rainbow...I hope.  We just had our VFW and Ladies Auxiliary State Convention here in Montana AND I met the gentleman Mr. Foster who the folks at Senator Testers office were going to hook me up with.  He is with the VA...and when I was done talking to him about Les and all of you....I was more frustrated and beaten than I've felt in a long time.  I felt like the potatoe in the old kids game Hot Potatoe.  No one wants to touch this subject.  Well, guess what....I prayed and prayed some more.....and really just talked to GOD about it too...saying if HE meant for me to give up my fight for all of you, then let me know, or show me where to go that will do some good.

When I got home...I was extra 'cited...can't explain it, but there were key words running thru my aging head that didn't come from people at the same time, but they seemed connected and when I typed them in to my trusty computer....wala...I found exactly where WE all need to go, but IF it's okay with you, I'd love to lead the charge.

His name is Colonel Craig David Shriver, MD.  He is the head of research for THE VA in Cancers.  I have begun a letter to him.   As I told everyone who would stand still and listen to me last week....I don't care how many first names such as Breast, Prostate, Pancreatic, Lung, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, etc. etc., it has, they all have just one last name and it is CANCER.  AND...if the VA is going to recognize of of the Cancer Family Members connected to Agent Orange, then they'd better recognize them all, or NONE at all.   I'm taking that message to Colonel Shriver for you all and Les if you will let me.

Thank you for your time. 

Love and Hugs always to you and yours.

Your buddy in Montana.

Jacki