To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. A solution by Congress may be the best approach, some attorneys and veterans advocates say. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, ischemic heart disease, Hodgkins disease, prostate or respiratory cancer, Parkinsons Disease), it is worth filing a claim for VA benefits, Webinar: Agent Orange and Thailand Veterans. endobj The US Department of Veterans Affairs maintains that aircraft and herbicide were either staged or never staged on Thailand bases. The 555th TFS of the Air Force performed more than 10,000 combat missions and achieved a 99% success rate on combat missions. Today, the base is home to the Thai Air Forces 1st Air Division. The objective of this research was to prepare mixtures of various herbicides in the form of pellets, and to test them on variations types of vegetation. But the prospects for those bills is uncertain at this point. Thank you Thailand veterans for your service at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. All substantial, physical remains of the substance may have been destroyed, but the terrible legacy of Agent Orange use is still seen in the physical disabilities of those in Vietnam and our US veterans. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 14 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> These bases include: Ubon, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, Don Muang, U-Tapao, and Nakhom Phanom. As some Thailand veterans see it, the VA places an undue burden of proof on them to demonstrate they were harmed by Agent Orange, in some cases asking for photographs or other evidence of physical proximity to harmful herbicides. 553rd Reconnaissance Wing Batcat Veterans Benefit, is WebAir Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. The first raid, a mortar bombardment, reportedly took place Sunday night at Ubon air base in eastern Thailand. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 Not all VA disability claims follow the same phase pattern and each phase of the claim can vary in time depending on the complexity of the claim and the amount and type of evidence provided in support of the claim. Subsequently in 1967 the Dow Chemical Company, a manufacturer of Agent Orange, was awarded a Department of Defense research contract. Webthe use of tactical herbicides (Agent Orange) on Thai Royal Air Force Bases and Thai Army Bases. Lets take a look at the process of filing online VA compensation claims through your eBenefits account. A declassified Department of Defense report written in 1973 titled, Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report: Base Defense in Thailand 1968-1972, contains evidence that there was significant use of the herbicide Agent Orange along the fence-line perimeters of Thailand military bases to remove foliage that provided cover for enemy forces. U.S. Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim While attending law school, she worked as a teaching assistant for legal writing classes. Skinner acknowledges that he can get health care from the VA. The documents show that the use of herbicide was recommended in 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1973. The435th TAW was the first Air Force tactical air unit to be based in Thailand. What Is The Most Important Factor To Consider When Choosing A Tactical Flashlight? Some have won on appeal.. Defoliation operations were carried out near the Udorn perimeter during this time period, according to reports. Call: 988 (Press 1), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420. She enjoyed practicing land use and environmental law for several years after law school but felt called to serve our veteran population and changed her practice area to veterans disability law. The facility can also serve as an emergency landing if necessary. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 The attorneys at Berry Law Firm are dedicated to helping injured Veterans. Learn more about benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. h#{mcXuXL] The PACT Act establishes a presumptive service connection between Thailand veterans and the United States. 3,048. asphalt. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Research and testing of Agents Purple, Orange, White and Blue at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where some contamination of the soil was discovered in trace amounts. He claims specifically, that he was exposed to Agent Orange when responding to and handling C-123s managed by special operations groups located on the secured back 40 ramp and Ranch Hand aircraft that landed at his location after spray missions over Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Many veterans like Dan Tolly of Tampa who served on those Thai bases are sick. The use of Agent Orange at Ubon Air Force Base has been linked to a number of health problems in both veterans and civilians. 1. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 They (the VA) will grant it, (or) theyll grant it partially, (or) theyll deny it, which is probably about 80 to 90% of the Thailand veterans, they have been denied. Those who work in security-related military occupational fields, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs Thailand perimeter policy, do not face any exposure. Time is running out for these veterans, Brown said in an email. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. However, documentation and sworn statements by military personnel contradicted that position. Air Force Veteran who served at the Royal Thai Air Force Bases of U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat or at Don Muang as security policemen, security patrol dog handlers, or members of a security police squadron, or otherwise served near a base perimeter as evidenced by their MOS duties. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Select personnel would receive a copy of their own herbicide manual. /X!`h8 p'Dwa.6jl(".l']qG":N"|{uM/ /;Cplh8;F>qy=P)5*!TIR=\.Cn V}9gp3:(gZ5xeB*gI An aerial application of the herbicide was completed and data was recorded. detailed annotations, Map 7 - the Demolitioin area Are you, or someone you know, struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder? He also claims exposure when assisting aircraft and military personnel from any location inbound or departing Ubon, declaring an emergency. Source: Citation Nr: 1614502 Decision Date: 04/11/16 Archive Date: 04/26/16 DOCKET NO. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. The last scheduled training flight was held on July 16, 1974. According to the VA, U.S. Air Force Veterans served at Royal Thai Air Force Bases (RTAF bases) at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Panom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base Agent Orange-related claims received by the Payment Program on average cost $3,800 per claim. U.S. Air Force Veteranswho served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Agent Orange exposure in Thailand during Vietnam War. The report specifically notes the significant use of Agent Orange As one of a group of chemicals referred to as the rainbow herbicides, Agent Orange served as the most well-known defoliant used in the Vietnam War. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. WebAgent Orange is a highly toxic, deadly chemical that is a known carcinogen. Veterans who served in Thailand have long contended they face a higher bar in winning Veterans Administration (VA) disability benefits claims, having to clearly demonstrate they were exposed to Agent Orange or other harmful herbicides while their fellow veterans enjoy a presumption that they were exposed. For military personnel working on these aircraft and near the Thailand storage areas, the risk of exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides was high, as the spraying equipment on the Operation Ranch Hand aircraft and the barrels that contained the herbicides were known to leak. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 Currently, Skinner hopes to make a case before a VA judge in perhaps a year, maybe longer. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the herbicide Tordon in mixtures with Agent Orange, to determine if it would be a successful defoliant agent. After a brief hiatus, testing resumed in 1966 with the aerial application of Agent Orange taking place in Loquillo and Las Marias, PR. Typically, the VA looks for evidence of duty near base perimeters or fence lines to establish herbicide exposure. Vietnam War-era veterans who served in Thailand say theyre still fighting. The AFHRA memo said that although use of commercial herbicides is documented, the Air Force archivists found no mention of the transportation, payment for or use of any tactical herbicide to control vegetation on Air Force installations in Thailand. There is strong evidence to back up the VAs previous claim that herbicide was only used on the perimeters. You have to prove it.. Those who were exposed to Agent Orange outside of Vietnam or Korea must provide evidence that they were actually exposed to the herbicide. On February 5, 1973, an EC-47Q electronic warfare collection aircraft tail number 43-48636, Storage and Maintenance, Missle Maintenance Shop at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Defoiliated The 222nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Royal Thai Air Force, perform their mission with T-28, C-47 and HH-34 aircraft. January 9, 1962 through June 30, 1976, or; Laos. Contact Us Meltal Shipping Containers near the perimeter at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Defoiliated [1] It is in the city of Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand and is the main airport serving the city and province. Sen. Sherrod Brown supports theThailand Veterans Toxic Exposure Act, a version of which was included in the Senate Veterans Affairs Committees toxic exposure bill reported out of committee in May. Call Cuddigan Law to get help with your VA disability application or appeal today. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. If you served in one of the areas above, you still need to prove that you were actually exposed to Agent Orange in one way or another. The air force is responsible for the defense of Thai airspace and for providing air support to the Thai Army and Navy. Design a site like this with WordPress.com, best map of the base layout at Ubon RTAFB, Citation Nr: 0714102 Decision Date: 05/11/07 Archive Date: 05/25/07 DOCKET NO. 09-42 836. The 435th Tactical Airlift Wing (TAW) was the unit that operated C-130s from Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War. Storage area at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Map of the The wing flew its last combat mission on 15 August 1973. But he sought (and seeks) compensation for pain and suffering. U.S. Army Veteranswho provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between Thailand provided air and ground bases to the United States, and soon became the largest station of the United States Air Force in Southeast Asia, with air bases at Don Muang RTAFB, Thailand, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, Ramasun Station, Thailand, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, U-Tapao RTAFB, Thailand, Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, Korat RTAFB, Thailand, and Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. The wing also flew humanitarian missions in Cambodia and Thailand. If you served in Thailand during this time period, the VA concedes that you were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides if you fit within any one of the following: While the VA concedes that you were exposed to Agent Orange if you served in Thailand in one of the above capacities, you may still qualify for Agent Orange compensation benefits if you can show that you were otherwise exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Thailand. The 435th TAW VA Disability Rating for Agent Orange & List of Presumptive It acknowledges that herbicide use is present at Thailand military bases, but it only recently granted Vietnam veterans the presumption of exposure to the same chemicals as U.S. veterans. Munitions Storage area at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Weapon Lets be real, this was 60 years ago, Trone said. B=l6>*@ C=*D`@}Fw< AV9! [*\ M_`oH( WebU.S. 14 July 1922: Brigadier General Robin Olds, United States Air Force, was a fighter pilot and triple ace with 16 official aerial victories in two wars. Weband evacuation missions. Puerto Rico was also home to the storage and testing of Agent Orange from 1956 to 1957, and then again from 1966 to 1968. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. and Bangkok International Airport (Vietnam era), while landing at Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. While Agent Orange was burned at sea after the war, another rainbow herbicide of the Vietnam War era called Agent Blue, could not be burned disposed of via incineration due to its high concentration of arsenic. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 Call for immediate help at 401-331-6300 or contact us online. The These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Sen. xNC}qpFd;SS^=8z|A,YERkvACs,~zt;93u_rJaU"Tt~\&,xxR|xPVu6 The RTAF has a strength of over 43,000 personnel and operates over 350 aircraft. You can also apply for benefits for other illnesses, but you will have to show a medical connection between herbicide exposure and your disability. The base was established in 1955, and was used by the USAF during the Vietnam War. In November 1992, the Joint Task Force for Full Accounting was able to conduct an archeological excavation of the BARON 52 crash site and recovered partial remains of several individuals. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Since Agent Blue could not be burned, the herbicide was sprayed on the Air Force base as a way to dispose of the remaining stores. Filing Online VA Compensation Claims with eBenefits Some tenants provided Air Traffic Control services to the Ubon tower, which was owned by others. Its not a burden shared by veterans who served in Vietnam or in the Navy. WebThis group is dedicated to the brotherhood of those who served at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base,Thailand during the Vietnam War. Around this same time, another testing project was administered in the State Forest area of Mauna Loa, HI. You submit a claim, Harmon said. Among them: The Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act, the Cost of War Act, and others, including the Fairly Assessing Service-related Exposure Residual (FASTER) Presumptions Act, also dubbed the FASTER Act. This list includes U.S. Air Force veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat and Don Muang. The aircrew of the American Combat Aviation Center provided high-altitude ground coverage for USAF aircraft while in Thai airspace. Additionally, C-123 Aircraft that were used to Red line shows the Nakhon Pahnom RTAFB base perimeter, while the blue line shows the full 500 meter herbicide/Agent Orange drift zone as defined in U.S. Army Korat RTAFB, Brett Watterson sent me this map of Korat RTAFB which he highlighted the full perimeter, Official Department of the Air Force Map During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Air Force engaged in Operation Ranch Hand, a program that sprayed herbicides on the thick vegetation and foliage of Vietnam to destroy this natural cover for enemy troops. Appeals to the Board of Veterans Appeals, Appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Increase Veterans Affairs Disability Rating, Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), VA Mental Health: Legal Help for Veterans, Veterans Affairs Compensation for Sleep Apnea, VA Rating for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Symptoms, 2023 Veterans Affairs Disability Rate Increase, Combat Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division, 1st Battalion-72nd Armor, 12th Artillery 15th Artillery, 9th Infantry, 23rd Infantry, 38th Infantry, 2nd Battalion-72nd Armor, 9th Infantry, 23rd Infantry, 31st Infantry, 38th Infantry, 3rd Battalion-23rd Infantry, 32nd Infantry, 1st Battalion-73rd Armor, 17th Infantry, 31st Infantry, 32nd Infantry, 2nd Battalion-17th Infantry, 31st Infantry, 32nd Infantry, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry, Counter Agent Company, United Nations Command Security Battalion-Joint Security Area (UNSCB-JSA). When evaluating the effectiveness of herbicide mixtures, Agent Orange was used as the standard. I believe based on documents from tests at Eglin AFB, and use in Vietnam that these tests were extensive, to include tests using mixtures outside those recommended as safe, both for humans and environmentally. Eight Distinct Steps Most VA Disability Compensation Claims Follow The Thai government has acknowledged the health risks associated with the use of Agent Orange, and has provided compensation to those affected. According to Mr. Hogstads statement, herbicide use throughout Southeast Asia is also possible during the Vietnam War. 877-222-8387, TDD (Hearing Impaired) It was used to push enemy troops out of the jungles, forcing them to fight out in the open. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Shannon lives in Orlando with her husband and two sons. revetments near the perimeter wherd AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles were prepared at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Empty including the Herbicide/Agent Orange Drift Zone, Map of the Munitions 1 0 obj That legacy was also carried back to the US, as dependents of veterans have been born with serious birth defects such as spina bifida. Veteran who served at U.S. Army base in Thailand were members of a military police unit or assigned a military police MOS and who affirmatively state that their duty placed them at or near the base perimeter. Please switch auto forms mode to off. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. If you meet this requirement, you do not need to prove actual exposure to Agent Orange to receive compensation for an illness that is caused by Agent Orange exposure. Skinner, who has fought prostate cancer since 2018, has gone through 44 treatments of radiation therapy. Replacement Training Center of Royal Thai Army near Pranburi from 1964 to 1965, Laos from December 1965 to 1967 (spraying operations), Loquillo, Puerto Rico in April and October 1966 (testing), Kauai, Hawaii in 1967 and February 1968 (testing), Las Marias, Puerto Rico from February to December 1967 (testing), Apaloachicola National Forest near Sophoppy, Florida in May 1967 (testing), Base Gagetown, near Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada in June 1957 (testing), Fort Gordon, Georgia in July 1967 (testing), The Southeastern part of Kompong Cham Province and Dar and Prek Clong plantations, Cambodia in June 1969, Pooles Island, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland in July 1969 (testing), Gulfport, Mississippi 1968 to 1970 (Agent Orange storage area), Johnston Island from April 1972 to September 1977 (Agent Orange storage area). Thus, the VA assumes your disability resulted from your military service, and you dont have to provide proof or an evidential link between the incident and your disease. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Veterans Court vacates BVA decision denying veteran was exposed to Agent Orange while stationed at a Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in 1962. It is located approximately 488 km (303 miles) northeast of Thailand, and 60 km (40 miles) east of Laos border. Southeast Asias first F-4C Phantom II unit was formed in 1971 when the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron was formed. The chemicals were applied in highly concentrated solutions using a micro-sprayer. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. The Board does not find any reason in the record for finding this account by the Veteran not credible. Source: Citation Nr: 1222558 Decision Date: 06/28/12 Archive Date: 07/10/12 DOCKET NO. Some evidence suggests that airmen working around the perimeter were exposed to herbicide while constructing the perimeter. Some veterans will have an easier time establishing their exposure to herbicides than others. If a veterans military occupation required him to patrol the perimeter of one of these basesdog handlers or military policeand his service records establish this fact, then VA is going to be much more willing to acknowledge that veterans exposure to herbicides. But this doesnt mean that other veterans cannot also prove such exposure. treated with Agent Orange. In 1966, the Commander U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (COMUSMAV) issued Directive 525-1 (COMUSMAV) which defined how to request aerial spray, power spray, and hand spray in Vietnam. He has to apply and use a catheter twice a day, something he expects to do for the rest of his life. detailed annotations, Map of the Southwest section of U-Tapao RTAFB, Map 5 - B-52 Ramp, NE Quadrant U-Tapao RTAFB with The wing flew its first combat mission on 5 May 1966. If you served in an area other than Vietnam and you were exposed to Agent Orange, please contact the Berry Law Firm at (888) 883-2483. endobj Spookily armed gunships were sent to Ubon as part of an interdiction mission over Laos. Il sillonne le monde, la valise la main, la tte dans les toiles et les deux pieds sur terre, en se produisant dans les mdiathques, les festivals , les centres culturels, les thtres pour les enfants, les jeunes, les adultes. The DOD has identified the following units that served along the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) that were exposed to Agent Orange between April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971: While the above units have been specifically identified as having served in the Korean DMZ between April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971, if you served in and around the Korean DMZ outside of this time period and have evidence that you were exposed to Agent Orange during your service in Korea, you may still qualify for compensation benefits for Agent-Orange related disabilities. Moving target radars, a low-light television set, and an infrared camera were all part of the B-57G. There were also 21 military bases used for storage during the war and up until the time that use of Agent Orange was discontinued in 1971. Service as a military policeman or duty near the base perimeter. Even those who were exposed to herbicide agents under VA policy were denied benefits in the past. Storage area at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Map By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. xr7]Uy#Ru!M+dco78@UmR@/4ve2>Ng7_?|bv=\|^OQmwgU+ He said he worked in areas close to base fencelines and perimeters, sometimes chaining down jets to run the engines, which would actually kick up dust and dirt everywhere around the aircraft.. Robin Olds was born Robert Oldys, Jr., at Luke Field Hospital, Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. During these operations in Thailand, Sergeant Richard E. Wolf received a letter of commendation for his service. The bill was last referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in June. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Army Veteran who served on a Royal Thai Air Force Base who affirmatively state that they were involved with perimeter security duty as long as there is additional evidence to corroborate their statement. Most of the Air Force bases in Thailand were used as staging points for operations in Vietnam. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. On Thailand bases, service members were exposed to herbicide agents at a rate comparable to those exposed to other hazardous chemicals. 449 S 12th St.Tampa, Florida 33602United States, How To Choose The Right Recoil Spring For Your Tactical Sports Orange Gun. Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Google Map Photo of The 435th TAW was activated on 1 April 1966 and its first commander was Colonel Harry A. George. These bases include: Ubon, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, Don Muang, U-Tapao, and Nakhom Phanom. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Barrels of herbicides (AO) were buried under the runway at Bor Phai and not found until March, 1999. Source: Herbicide Use in Thailand The Relationship to the Rules of Engagement (ROE) and Use in Vietnam and Laos. This same presumption exists for those who served in the Korean demilitarized zone between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971. Veterans who served in Thailand during the Vietnam era can tell stories about and sometimes even show pictures of the disappearing vegetation on the bases on which they served. The wing was the first to use laser-guided bombs (LGBs) during combat in May 1968. Overall, this research involved field tests of different mixtures and formulations of the herbicides produced by chemical industries. The base was established in 1964, during the Vietnam War, as a forward operating base for the United States Air Force. of Takhli RTAFB, Annotated Google Map Photo of It was one of a number of bases in Thailand that were used to spray Agent Orange, a herbicide that was used to defoliate the jungle and deny cover to enemy forces.
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