Any Agent Orange neck cancer people here?

I'm looking for Vietnam Vets with Agent Orange head and neck issues, I was there 69/70.  Slowlane

Me, but you already know my story....."Welcome Home" Slowlane.

My Best to You and Everyone Here

Hi Slowlane,

I'm responding to your request about two weeks ago for information concerning Agent Orange. Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. I was stationed in Plieku, Viet Nam in July 1967 to June 1968 at 573rd Supply & Service. I don't believe I had any or no significant contact with Agent Orange during my tour of duty there. My base of tongue cancer was due to the fact I smoked and drank a little too much according to my Doctor. I smoked for 18 years and gave up the nasty habit 28 years ago. Just quit one day-cold turkey-gained 50 pounds-still have it :( Good luck on your health, and your search for information.

Phil

I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil and underwent 34 radiation and 2 chemo treatments in July and August 2012.  I served in Viet Nam 66/67 and had Prostate cancer about 10 years ago.  I've submitted a claim for prostate with the VA in November of 2010 and still have not received any disability from that claim, they are working on  it.  I also submitted a claim for the scc back in July and have not heard a word on that one.  From what I've read the scc will not be covered. 

Phil and Dave, I sent each of you a private reply.

My Best to You and Everyone Here

Doesn't matter where you were in country, if you had "boots on the ground" there is presumptive exposure. You all need to talk to a Veterans Service Officer to be properly advised. Most respiratory cancers are recognized as presumptive conditions. I was dx'd in 2003 w/ squamous cell carcinoma (vocal cords) & treated w/ radiation by the VA. Dr.'s denied AO causation for 2 yrs. Finally found out on my own, applied for disability, & was granted 10% in '05. Appeal & private ENT exam got an increase to 30%, then to 60%. Finally granted TDIU 100% nine yrs after first dx. Don't take legal advice from VA docs, do get VSO to represent you, and don't take "no" for an answer.   

Hi Guys,

7 years in the air force, 4 1/2 of which was in asia. I am X3 boots on the ground. Our loving VA is having an issue that I was even there. They have requested witnesses to my being sprayed 45 years after the fact. It's not my chemo brain that can't remember it's old age!

Stage 4a base of tongue squamous cell cancer, type B diabetes.

Oudave taught me to enjoy the fight with my cancers and I plan on extending that to the VA. Filed two years ago for agent orange relief. Now I have an attorney as my gunslinger. Ironic that the VA may average 6 years for a decision when all we are looking at is to get by 5 years.

No sense in worrying about those things we have no control over. Life goes on and I will remain a thorn in the side of the VA.

Two years out,

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS.

BRUCE 63

I am have been gathering copies of cases that the VA approved for Agent Orange head and neck cancers for about 6 months now.   I am nowhere near finished yet but It's getting interesting.  Slowlane

Yes, the facts are interesting.

In my case  have been focussing upon rei vs principi where the VA was told that my type of cancer is related to agent orange by the courts. The VA continues to defy the court ruling. I am aware that many have won with base of tongue cancer but inveriably were respresented by private council. To fight the VA alone may be a losing battle. They make the rules and bend them to fit their needs.

Bruce 63

Slowlane, I spoke a few yrs ago with PopPop. As I recall, like me his brother was incountry also. I was diagnosed IVa 11/07 and finished treatment in 02/08. Because my cancer began in the Supraglottis (Larynx) they granted 100% disability within 2 mos (temp) then permanent 160% the following year. I also rec'd SSDI within 30 days in early '08. VA has been good to me here in Chicago suburbs. I'm at Hines almost weekly. I have more side effects then there are Doctors. Saw a Rumatologis for the first time Monday for possible Lupus from Radiation.

As I recall, PopPop's circumstances required many attempts/efforts thru many channels to finally get thumbs up. Let me know if you wish to learn what I provided for such quick approval (Tiger Team made VA decision).

I was with 101st Airborne in I Corps '68-'69 out of LZ Sally at nearby FSBs. Let me know if I can help. Steve