Agent Orange Use on Thailand Bases Supports Veterans Disability Claims
The Debate Over Agent Orange in Thailand
A specific group of Vietnam-era veterans with illnesses caused by Agent Orange exposure have struggled for years to prove it to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These veterans, who served on military bases in Thailand spanning 14 years from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975, have had their disability claims routinely denied for illnesses identified as presumptive for veterans who served in Vietnam.
Why? Because the VA deemed that these veterans were not actually part of the Vietnam War. They did not set foot on Vietnam soil. Therefore, veterans who served in Thailand at that time were not exposed to Agent Orange.
Use of Agent Orange Confirmed on Vietnam-Era Thailand Military Bases
But now the barrier to VA disability compensation for these veterans has seemingly lifted. Evidence suppressed since 1973 agrees with what they have been saying all along. The declassified Department of Defense (DoD) “Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report: Base Defense in Thailand 1968-1972”reveals top-secret security operations in Thailand and confirms that Agent Orange was used extensively to defoliate the perimeters surrounding the Royal Thai Air Force Bases of U- Tapaco, Ubon, Nakhon, Phanom, Udom, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang. The DoD report has led to a rule-changer for processing disability claims for Vietnam-era veterans who served in Thailand.
New VA Guidelines for Agent Orange Claims
In fact, just over a year ago, in May, 2010, the VA added guidelines to the Agent Orange Act (CFR Title 38 Section 1116) that extends compensation to veterans who supported the Vietnam conflict outside of Vietnam, such as Blue Water Vietnam Veterans. The guidelines are also to be used for processing claims for veterans of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, military police (MP) and Army personnel who provided perimeter security in Thailand.
According to the guidelines, a statement of involvement in perimeter security duty in Thailand with “credible evidence supporting this statement” is required to establish Agent Orange exposure. This means that VA regional officers cannot dismiss an Agent Orange claim because the veteran did not set foot in Vietnam. Instead, they are required to evaluate all aspects of the case to fairly determine if the veteran’s duties, based on “facts found” or on a “direct basis,” led to Agent Orange exposure and illness. If the evidence supports the claim, this would allow for presumptive service connection and disability benefits for the veteran.
Pathway to VA Disability Benefits Still Tough
However, veterans who served in Thailand are finding that it is still hard to break through the “service in-country” stigma at some VA regional offices. And, despite the VA rule changes, the pathway to benefits is not easy. The VA is tough on evaluating proof, even for veterans suffering from presumptive illnesses such as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Ischemic heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease.
Alpha advocates believe that these Vietnam-era veterans, many of whom have struggled with the VA for over 30 years, have waited long enough for benefits due them and their families. They should not give up the fight, and are urged to contact a VA-accredited Alpha advocate to help them prove their claim to the VA.
Note: All representation coordinated by Alpha is provided by our employees, the Advocates, who are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). No private organization that trains and employs accredited agents has been legally recognized by the VA for the purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. This work must be done by the Advocates themselves and not organizations.
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ok, we thai vets may have gained an inch in our fight with a bunch of liars called the DOD but, they still haven’t showed much common sense. If perimeter vets were exposed to A.O. what about the vehicle and equipment mechanics who often worked in those perimeters ? Did the DOD ever hear of wind ? do they think agent orange and other chemicals just layed where it was applied ? TRucks and equipment sucked the vapors into the intakes and burned them along with fuel of various kinds and expelled the even more toxic air out the exhaust. And just how do they think areas were cleared of vegatation for new camps,roads and pipelines that were built in thailand ??
I saw your posting. I was at Utapao and Taklhi in 1972 and ’73. I was a crew chief on Buffs. Thinking back, all those flat bed trucks that came from the bomb dump and how they were covered in dust from the roads. The bases in Thailand were very dusty.
I was also station at u-tapao rtab from late 68 to june 1970. my duties consist of lauching b-52 bombers kc135 tankers, so in other words i work on the flightline. [again what about the wind. Our barracks were not that from the so call perimeter. I suffer from diabetes mellitus an others sickness from being over there. I’ve been denied so many times but what do you do. I guess they’re just waiting for us to “Die”.
As an U Tapao vet I have often posed the question to the VA. “how did the Air Force prevent foliage from growing from the earth that filled the revetment that protected B 52s.” No answer. I have spent time in the tropics since U T and you have a full time job keeping the jungle beaten back from your door step. Also you had better be inside after dark if you don’t want to contract malaria. At U T we worked night and day but I never remember swatting a mosquito while on the base. Bugs, especially rice bugs, would fly in to the lights then die. A young kid never questions why nor did he have any choice of avoiding it. Truth is we were swimming in chemicals at air bases. Now for the government to claim it didn’t happen is criminal and takes us all for fools.
Thank you for your comments. I also were stationed at U-T 1972-73 and ran the parameter wecker service for the Transportation Sq.
Thank you,
Jim Arrington
I was stationed at Takhl RTAFB from 1966 to 1967. I feel that I developed Diabetes Mellitus while I was there due to becoming infected by Agent Orange. I suffered “dropsy” on my right foot, but all the doctors at Clark AFB did was attach a brace to my boot. Years after my discharge in 1967, due to my diabetes, I suffered complications and my right leg was amputated. Four years later, in 2008, I lost my left leg. My problems started while I was at Takli, thus, have applied three times to the VA for Compensation. I have been denied three times because I wasn’t in-country Vietnam, thus, I couldn’t have come in contact with AO because…ahem…AO was not used in Thailand. Now the VA has reversed its course and says it was wrong, AO was used in Thailand. In fact, AO was tested in Thailand before it went to Vietnam. Now, however, the VA says I must prove that I came in contact with AO by working on the flight-line. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Should I apply again?
Joe,
As much as I hate to say this, I would not file again. Since you filed several times you need new and material evidence to reopen the claim. You were denied because you did not serve in Vietnam. In order to reopen this claim you will have to show you actually came in contact with AO. An example of proof that is needed would be showing you had guard duty around the perimeter of the air field. Good luck.
Joe, you should refile if your MOS duty shows you worked next or near the perimeter. Your photos, buddy letters and military records will help you win your case. Look up VA CP May 2010 p.3 on the web showing herbicides were used and Type 2 is an acceptable disease per VA. Do not use Agent Orange as you will be turned down. VA accepts Herbicides exposure to win your case. You must prove you worked near the perimeter to quality for benefits. Alot on the web about changes in Thailand VA requirements
Joe, sorry, VA CP Bulletin 2010 p.3 is the correct website. Note, you can have any MOS , as long as YOU can prove your duty was next or near the perimeter. Not were you lived. Again there are many new websites showing the the new Thailand VA requirements for Herbicide exposure changed in 2010.
My father-in law just died. He loaded Agent Orang on cargo planes in Tailand in 1962. He had prostate cancer, diabetes and in the end stage IV lung cancer. The VA always denied his claims for Agent Orange saying he never served in Vietnam. Now he is dead. He may have never been in country but he loaded barrels of it onto cargo planes. What a joke!
He also had ischemic heart disease and open heart surgery. All of these illnesses are common to veterans following exposure to AO.
I was part of Operation One Buck and arrived at NKP in Aug. 1964. I attended a reunion of the 507th TCG in 1997 and 8 out of the 14 attendees had cancer issues. I have COPD and am a three time cancer survivor. In 2003 a fellow 507th member sent me to a web site that stated the Seabees defiolated the entire area with AO during the construction of the runway we used to airlift our equipment. I am currently in poor health suffering from urinary and colon issues. I have a county VA rep. who is trying to help but I cannot prove I was there because Operation One Buck is still classified. You will find operation Sawbuck which I participated in at Don Muang, and Operation Two Buck, but no One Buck. Can you assist me with this?
Travis,
At this point, we are handling cases for veteran’s who actually served in Vietnam or have an appeal pending. If you served in Vietnam, please call you are eligible. If you didn’t actually serve in Vietnam, eligibility for an interview with one of our advocates depends on whether you’ve been denied recently and or the issue is currently on appeal. From there, you would depend on a conversation with one of our advocates. If the advocate can identify a path of entitlement for you and help you develop a strategy to win, we will take your appeal and go for it.
I am working on a claim as a survivor. My husband, Ted Michael Meyers was at Korat from April ’68 to March 69, with a TDY to Takhli for 30 days. He died at 54 of cancer of the carina (lung cancer), had type II Diabetes and horrible chloracne on his back. He was a crew chief on F105’s. Would appreciate support proving the proximity of the Korat or Takhli flight line to the base perimeter. Thanks so much!
I was at Korat RTAFB 1966-1967 and provided telephe cable and communications all over the Base and also Army’s Camp Frienship. I remember Hanoi Hannah said they were going blow up water tower New Years they didn’t but over 30 Motor emplacements were found around perimeter. Vegistation was eliminated from the sites. Also remember a lot o vegitation was removed to accomadate the Bat Cat Sq of RC 121 and EC 121 were Based there. I know that vegitation didn’t die on its own.
Oct 10, 2012 I sat before a video-conference judge in St. Louis Mo. I am trying to get service-connection to AG for my husband Thomas Dempsey who servered at Ubon Thialand Sept 69-Sept 70. He died April 5, 2005 from every illness listed for AG. With this new ruling I really feel I have a good chance of recieving my DIC. It has been a long time coming to all those who gave their all for their country they so much loved. Tom first filed in 1989 when he first was diagonsed with type II diabettes. I am use to all the rejection letters. I will never give up filing until he gets what he desevered. Joan Dempsey wife of Tom.
I got 20% for diabetes. Worked in Ubon MMS 70-71.Also have IHD and many stents but it has not been settled yet.. First appliede in 1993
Keep ALL copies of your of your medical records and if a doctor gives you an opinion that could help your claim have him put it in writing
Hi, Can anyone tell me just what was in the rows of ‘Drums” Red with painted White band around the middle that were stored along the fence line within the USAF ‘Fuel Farm’ right next to our (RAAF) base area at RTAF Base UBON. I was there in 1968 Ex RAAF.
Thanks,
Mal
I was recently awarded Service Connected Disability Agent Orange. Stationed in NKP Thailand from January to April of 1974. During that time a helicopter was used to spray the northern perimeter of NKP. First Cavalry guys were sent through the sprayed area and would bring the yellow dust on them into the base. There was one room building where free alcohol was served. I would frequent this building everyday. The guys who were sent through the sprayed area would bring the yellow dust on them into the building and dust themselves on us. The First Cavalry guys would also go into the chow line and the airmen bar dust themselves of on us, our food and drinks. Before leaving the service in 1974 and 1975 I had an immediate reaction to the Agent Orange, skin rash, acne, diarrhea, coughing up blood, headaches, breathing problems, joint pain problems, depression, insomnia, nervousness, and other stuff wrong with me. The evidence of a medical record from March 18, 1974, 56 USAF Hospital Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand of diarrhea and bad rash, was proof I was there when the spraying was being conducted at NKP. And Xray’s of soars in my lungs later taken at McClellan AFB in California in 1974 after returning from Thailand. Being sick during and since my separation unfortunately doesn’t qualify me for compensation. Filed in 2008 and was denied. Filed five years later in 2012 and was compensated. What was also key to my evaluation for compensation is a Report Of Medical History which listed all the physical and mental problems I was experiencing before separation from military service. And also the work area of my duty station in NKP which was about 100 yards from the perimeter where the helicopter sprayed.
Those of you from NKP may have other experiences of being in contact with the AO dust. When I was there the troops who went through the sprayed area brought the dust into all areas of the base. Remember seeing yellow powder everywhere on the ground where lots of human traffic would occur during the day.
On behalf of my husband Sgt. Joseph A. Mangini, Airman stationed at Udorn RAFB from September 1966 to September 1967 I’m asking anyone ever stationed at Udorn if they can describe where the motor pool was located?
I was stationed at Udorn in 1968-69 motor pool was near fire house and storage of all kind of stuff
good luck
I am interested in contacting anyone who was stationed at Udorn 7th RRFS during the time frame of June 1967 until June 1968. I was 05H20. Worked next to the Perimeter Fence in the vans for about 2-3 months then the new OPS building until discharged.
This request is directed to Jeffery Nartatez’s comments posted on January 2, 2013. I’m helping an Air Force vet that was stationed at Ubon who’s got Ischemic Heart Disease. Would you be kind enough to share the details that helped to win your case and specifically the lanuage the VA used in awarding your claim. My phone # is 919 363 4856 or you can email me. This vet has no quality of life. Please help.
I’ve been fighting the V.A. since 2003. First they denied me because they said that the U.S. didn’t use Agent Orange or other herbicides in Thailand. The truth: it was used in the early 1960′s for testing purposes before use in Vietnam. Then the next time I was denied they told me that I didn’t even serve overseas. The truth: I served two tours in Thailand. December 1968 to December 1969 in Ubon, Thailand and from August of 19710 to August of 1971 in Nahkon Phanom.
Through the years we discovered that many bases in Thailand flew spraying missions over Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Thailand from U.S. bases in Thailand. Much of it was stored at Ubon Royal Thai Air Base. Not only did Air personnel fly in these spraying missions, but also CIA, Air America personnel. Herbicides were used to clear the jungle area in Thailand in order to build the bases. Thanks to MSGT. Kurt Priessman we now know two things. One is that nearly 99 percent of all flights from Travis Air Base California to Bangkok, Thailand and back to the states, stopped over in Vietnam before landing in Bangkok and again in Vietnam before travelling back to the U.S. The VA apparently isn’t buying this, however he did uncover security documents which proved that the base perimeters were sprayed on a regular basis in order to keep jungle growth down, so the enemy could be spotted by base security guards.
I didn’t work on the base perimeter, but I did live on the base perimeter. My living quarters or hootch was right up against the base perimeter fence with the latrine only a few yards away. I could hear the lizzards crying for food every night as they crawled on the fences.
I’m still waiting again to hear from the V.A. on my most recent claim. I’ve written advocate “Erin Brockavinch” enviornmental advocate and also Dr. Phil. This is the second time I ve asked him to bring this information to veterans and the American people. Have a feeling that the Velvet Hammer in DC told him to stay away from this issue. I suggest that everyone BUG their U.S. Senators and Representatives about helping the “Forgotten Vietnam Vets” before we all die and everything is covered up. Please contact me if you served at Ubon Air
Base and your hootch was located against the base perimeter fence and you have “Agent Orange” related diseases. Regards, Rod from AFTN 940, Ubon, Thailand. rod.douglas@yahoo.com
I was stationed at Ubon , Thailand 1971-1972 and with the 8th Security Police sq . I know for a fact that chemicals were sprayed at night for mosquitoes. I also know there was no vegetation at the dog kennels and around the perimeters & Main gate area also. We had k-9 dogs die from testicular cancer . I also know former security police awarded service connected for herbicides at UBON Feel free to contact me bob_betsey@verizon.net
I was stationed @ Udorn RTAB from 1968 to 1969. I also was stationed @ U Tapao RTAB from 1970 to 1971. At Udorn our hootches where adjacent to the perimeter where Agent Orange was being used as a herbicide to kill the ground cover & vegetation.
Petition (email mchenney@att.net to get package) :
We the undersigned petition the US Senate, US Congress and the President of the United States to enact legislation that makes ALL veterans have equal PRESUMPTION of exposure to Dioxins while in the service of the United States at any location or unit. We feel that ALL veterans MUST be treated equally with respect to Dioxin exposure by the US government and Department of Veterans Affairs.
NOTE: Veterans must also still prove they have a recognized condition that maybe caused by Dioxin exposure during or after service to get DVA benefits.
Currently only veterans of the Vietnam Conflict are afforded this in a limited PRESUMPTION, “Boots on Ground” legislation, if they were in the Republic of Vietnam (Served in the Republic of Vietnam between 1/9/62 and 5/7/75) per the Department of Veterans Affairs. In fact any current end date for any location would be invalid as Dioxins stay active for much longer than the time since the 1962 admitted RVN Agent Orange / Dioxin start date, current end date is the end date for RVN service, per the DVA.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BxTKtx_Mq_m0cTg1c1U4M3JjU1U&usp=sharing