Thanks Doctor a great link!

Called Rep candice Miller and requested that she get onboard with Rep Filner's Bill H.R.6562.

The ironic change concerning this quote "Sea service had made someone eligible until the VA changed the rules in 2002. The restriction was appealed through the courts, with the VA’s boots-on-the-ground policy prevailing," came about when VA saw the cost regarding diabetes type 2 and the havoc on the budget. It was a pure political decision to save the government money.

It worked, thousands have been deprived benefits as a result. Many cases already approved were severed. The Congress seemed uninterested, as well as many of the ungrateful population.

Deleted post: Inappropriate content..

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pipedreamsandbabies,

Maybe Pipe Dreams and Babies?

Hello Dave,
Just wanted to say hi. Computers been down for about three months but I'm back,and wanted to thank you for your tireless efforts in helping other veterans."Take Care And Stay Safe".

"I'll Never Forget Those Who Did Not Return So That I Could".
Ray.

Welcome back Ray!

A sample letter:

U.S. Represntative Charlie Wilson
202 Park Ave.
Suite C
Ironton, OH 45638

September 17, 2008

Dear Congressman Wilson:

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee chairman has made a vow to push for the restoration of Agent Orange-related benefits and health care for Vietnam War veterans who served in the air and water of Vietnam but never set foot on land. Sea service had made someone eligible until the VA changed the rules in 2002. It was changed due to the acceptance of diabetes type 2 as a presumptive condition. It was determined by the President and his Administration to be to costly. A method had to be found to reduce the VA liability and the Sea Service paid dearly.
Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., said a bill he is sponsoring, HR 6562, would provide justice for sailors and airmen who have been denied Agent Orange claims because of a Department of Veterans Affairs policy that applies a so-called “boots-on-the-ground” rule for determining eligibility.
Congressman Filner said the bill would provide justice for the thousands of Vietnam veterans who are suffering from illnesses or disease known to be related to exposure to the herbicide used to defoliate the Vietnamese jungles. It also would send a message to younger veterans, he said. “If we don’t treat our Vietnam veterans right, then our active-duty people know that.” He is correct.
The bill, called the Agent Orange Equity Act, would accept service in the waters surrounding or the air over Vietnam as making a veteran eligible for benefits and health care if they have one of a long list of diseases presumed by the VA to be caused by exposure to toxin. Sea service had made someone eligible until the VA changed the rules in 2002. The restriction was appealed through the courts, with the VA’s boots-on-the-ground policy prevailing. People who served on as many as 600 Navy ships would be helped by the legislation.
Our AMVETS State Service Officer has reviewed these issues since 1977. He has indicated, this legislation will assist many of our fellow veterans, now being ignored by the government they served. I am asking you as my representative to support this legislation and do all in your power to assist those who are disabled due to their service to this nation.

Sincerely,


Dave Barker