According to an article on VVA-NC.com, crew members who worked on planes that were used to spray Agent Orange, during the Vietnam War, are concerned their proximity to the toxin’s residue on the planes is a health risk. Veterans who suffer from a service-related disability or illness, may be able to file for veterans disability claim and should seek help from legal counsel to pursue compensation.
The military used C-123 Provider aircraft to deliver/spray Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. The spraying ended in 1971, but those C-123s were repurposed and used to transport cargo and perform medical evacuations until 1981.
Crew members aboard these planes have reported “strong odors” in the planes, but were likely ruled out to due to fact that TCDD, the main toxin in Agent Orange, is odorless.
The U.S. Air Force tested multiple C-123s to determine if TCDD existed in the planes. After reviewing the test results, and the subsequent reports, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) came to the same conclusion that even if C-123 crews were exposed to Agent Orange residue, the exposure was not capable of causing any negative long-term health concern.
This does not mean that your health condition does not exist and you should seek help. You still may be able to collect disability benefits, which is why you should have an attorney by your side.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
The C-123 veterans affected disagreed. The basis of our claim is the AF’s own analysis describing the airplanes as “heavily contaminated” and “a danger to public health.” Further, the Va dismisses the independent scientific opinions of Dr. Jeanne Stellman, Dr. Fred Berman, Dr. Joe Goeppner, Dr. Ron Porter, Dr. Tom Sinks (deputy director of the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry), and Dr. Wayne Dwernychuk – because they are scientists (toxicologists) and not physicians! Amazing, because the authors of the VA’s position are also scientists, not physicians. Also joining the veterans’ claim are the Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion, both having investigated the issue thoroughly.
The veterans’ claims deserve to move forward!