My father was 100% disabled American Vietnam Vet who was exposed to AO, who died in 2000 from a vehicle accident. Before he died he had been having skin cancer removed, lymphnode cancer, diabetes and a few other problems that VA had determined was AO related. My brother and I, We both have been experiencing nerve problems, stomach problems and weird bumps on our skin. When I asked around about these problems and being related to Agent Orange, I am told that I had to only have Spina Bifida to get anyone to listen to me. I see and am going thru alot of the things my father went thru. My brother lives in Florida and I live in Oregon. We never see each other and when we do talk on the phone...the things he tells me he is going thru is identical to what I am and what my father was. I just dont know where to turn to or get help with this. I havent been able to work since 2004 nor hold a job longer than 6 months thru my life...and neither has my brother. Due to complications from this. help?

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

Here are some links on birth defects on my website http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/SearchForTruth.html

also which is an update
http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/AO-2005.html

and the most recent
http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/AO-Update-2007.html

Dave, there are lots of organizations that will assist with VA claims. Since most of these are staffed by volunteers there is a huge difference in the quality of representation by organization, locatiion, organization by location, etc. They are all good people trtying to help us but it takes more than good intentions to plead your case to the VA.

Is there any place one can go to find what group has a good batting average in any locale?
i.e. our local VFW is well intentioned but 5 minutes with them it is obvious they have no idea what is going on. However, I am told, the Seattle VFW has a very good track record.

Cheers,
David

More court cases being lost on Agent Orange toxic effects then won. Yesterday the Federal Court dismissed another AO suit. Over a month ago, a local West Virginia suit was approved for local residents, involving the manuafacturing of the herbicide.
From the January 14, 2008 Charleston Gazette article:

"Monsanto lawyers had argued against class certification in the two Putnam Circuit Court lawsuits, one pending since August 2000 and the other filed in December 2004.

Both cases focus on dioxin pollution from the former Monsanto plant in Nitro, which for more than 50 years churned out herbicides, rubber products and other chemicals. The plant’s production of the powerful Vietnam-era herbicide Agent Orange created dioxin as a dangerous toxic chemical byproduct.

One ruling by Spaulding allows about 100 property owners in the Manila and Heizer Creek areas north of Nitro to sue Monsanto as a class.

That suit, filed in 2000, alleges that Monsanto dumped dioxin-laden wastes in area landfills and never properly cleaned up those dumps."

My mother worked at the chemical disposal dump near Nitro. She was the Superintendent of record for Regional Development Authority which was in charge of chemical disposal. Her office was on the site.

She died of environmental cancer May 1, 1988.

Children born in southern Vietnam have suffered severe birth defects which are largely ignored by everyone. Here is a repeat of my 2005 article found on my website:
Veterans and Agent Orange Update 2004 (2005)

By David Barker

The report has been released with little change. We have gone through a two year period of study and research with the National Academy of Sciences, for the VA and the net result was a clarification on insulin dependent diabetes type 2. To me it was extremely disappointing, that so many subjects remained untouched and new conditions were not added. Those exposed to Agent Orange, must again wait on those who have little sense of urgency. The now aging Vietnam veterans, find their ranks starting to thin. Many Agent Orange exposed veterans have met premature death, as a result of conditions many strongly believe are the result of the exposure.

The VAO Update 2004 has supposedly clarified the insulin dependent diabetes type 2 as a result of my personal testimony before the NAS committee in July 2004. In discussions with committee members it was stated they (the committee) were unaware the VA was denying claims for some veterans, due to insulin dependent being classified as diabetes type 1. The VA position was diabetes type 1 was juvenile onset, rather than adult onset which is known as diabetes type 2.

The report defined the conditions "diabetes mellitus is a group of heterogeneous metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia and quantitative or qualitative deficiency of insulin action (Orchard et al., 1992). Although all form share hyperglycemia, the pathogenic processes involved in its development differ. Most diabetes fall into two categories: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin caused by the destruction of insulin producing cells. In the pancreas.; type 2 diabetes is characterized by a combination of resistance to the actions of insulin and inadequate secretion of insulin, called relative insulin deficiency. In the old classification systems type 1 diabetes was called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus; type 2 diabetes was called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

The report defined the conditions "diabetes mellitus is a group of heterogeneous metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia and quantitative or qualitative deficiency of insulin action (Orchard et al., 1992). Although all form share hyperglycemia, the pathogenic processes involved in its development differ. Most diabetes fall into two categories: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin caused by the destruction of insulin producing cells. In the pancreas.; type 2 diabetes is characterized by a combination of resistance to the actions of insulin and inadequate secretion of insulin, called relative insulin deficiency. In the old classification systems type 1 diabetes was called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus; type 2 diabetes was called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult onset diabetes mellitus. The modern classification system recognizes that type 2 can occur in children and also can require insulin. For both types, long term complications can include cardiovascular disease nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and increased vulnerability to infections. Maintaining correct blood sugar concentrations within the normal range is crucial for preventing complications...

The etiology of diabetes type 2 is unknown, but three major components have been identified: peripheral insulin resistance (thought by many to be primary) in target tissues (muscle, adipose tissue, liver) a defect in â-cell insulin secretion; and hepatic glucose overproduction. In states of insulin resistance, insulin secretion is initially higher for each concentration of glucose, compared with that for people without diabetes. That hyperinsulinemic state is a compensation for peripheral resistance and can often maintain normal glucose levels for years. Eventually, â-cell compensation become inadequate and there is progression to overt diabetes with concomitant hyperglycemia. The reason the â-cell cease to produce sufficient insulin is not known.

A lawsuit was entered in the U.S. District Court, Brooklyn, by the Vietnamese government, relating to Agent Orange and the suit was dismissed. This suit could have well been exactly what the Vietnam veteran needed, to substantiate the claims of many diseases and birth defects. Ironic but true, this is the same court which let the chemical companies off the hook for $180 million dollars back in the 1980's!

We shall review briefly these studies made by independent sources. Dr. Hoang Dinh Cau, chairman of the government-supported National Committee for Investigation of the Consequences of Chemicals used in the Vietnam War, known as the 10-80 Committee, has studied the effects of Agent Orange on Vietnamese people over two decades. Dr. Cau is not as guarded as others at Tu Du Hospital in discussing the use of the herbicide, which contained dioxin, a contaminant many Western researchers called the most toxic chemical discovered by mankind so far. This was also stated in my book "



IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH FOR VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS."
The original essay "Poison: Agent Orange" published by The Ohio AMVET in 1983 is the chapter with that statement. "We have recognized many kinds of birth defects associated with dioxin," Dr. Cau said, opening up a book with photographs of Vietnamese civilians identified as Agent Orange victims. Several of the photos depict badly deformed infants. The children in Vietnam suffer a broad range of birth defects: many have unformed limbs, others are mentally handicapped and those with extremely enlarged heads. Vietnamese scientists and government officials believe the children, along with hundreds of thousands of other Vietnamese are victims of the massive amounts of Agent Orange herbicide that US forces dumped on South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Vietnamese researchers, as well as some of their Western colleagues, know that the more than 11 million gallons of Agent Orange that the US military introduced to South Vietnamese ecosystems created a public-health nightmare from which Vietnam has not recovered. Vietnamese scientists believe the dioxin contamination has caused not only birth defects, but also respiratory cancers, heart problems and diabetes. In 2000 the US Air Force released a study indicating a link between Agent Orange exposure, diabetes and heart disease. It has been well over 30 years since the United States stopped using Agent Orange. Thus many seriously ill patients have already died.

So our Agent Orange plight struggles on.

quote:

A lawsuit was entered in the U.S. District Court, Brooklyn, by the Vietnamese government, relating to Agent Orange and the suit was dismissed. This suit could have well been exactly what the Vietnam veteran needed, to substantiate the claims of many diseases and birth defects. Ironic but true, this is the same court which let the chemical companies off the hook for $180 million dollars back in the 1980's!

We shall review briefly these studies made by independent sources. Dr. Hoang Dinh Cau, chairman of the government-supported National Committee for Investigation of the Consequences of Chemicals used in the Vietnam War, known as the 10-80 Committee, has studied the effects of Agent Orange on Vietnamese people over two decades. Dr. Cau is not as guarded as others at Tu Du Hospital in discussing the use of the herbicide, which contained dioxin, a contaminant many Western researchers called the most toxic chemical discovered by mankind so far. This was also stated in my book "



IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH FOR VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS."
The original essay "Poison: Agent Orange" published by The Ohio AMVET in 1983 is the chapter with that statement. "We have recognized many kinds of birth defects associated with dioxin," Dr. Cau said, opening up a book with photographs of Vietnamese civilians identified as Agent Orange victims. Several of the photos depict badly deformed infants. The children in Vietnam suffer a broad range of birth defects: many have unformed limbs, others are mentally handicapped and those with extremely enlarged heads. Vietnamese scientists and government officials believe the children, along with hundreds of thousands of other Vietnamese are victims of the massive amounts of Agent Orange herbicide that US forces dumped on South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Vietnamese researchers, as well as some of their Western colleagues, know that the more than 11 million gallons of Agent Orange that the US military introduced to South Vietnamese ecosystems created a public-health nightmare from which Vietnam has not recovered. Vietnamese scientists believe the dioxin contamination has caused not only birth defects, but also respiratory cancers, heart problems and diabetes. In 2000 the US Air Force released a study indicating a link between Agent Orange exposure, diabetes and heart disease. It has been well over 30 years since the United States stopped using Agent Orange. Thus many seriously ill patients have already died.

How many people really care? Apparently those directly affected. Some of those who have family who are affected. Then maybe a few who know someone affected. However it appears the vast majority of people, simply ignore the facts, with little compassion for those who were exposed and have serious life altering conditions and/or children with birth defects.

That is a real shame.

My father was in Vietnam 1969-1971 and has since been 100% disabled through the VA for all of his health problems due to AO. I have been reading the various posts by other children of Vietnam vets and their health problems they are having. Sounds exactly like me! My mom and dad got married and had me in 1972. I have Diabetes,rheumatoid arthritis and they are testing me for Lupus also. My poor dad is beside himself thinking that all of my health problems are due to his exposure to AO. I will forward to him the link to Dave's website. I tell him not to blame himself that he did what was right and courageous for his country and if anyone is to blame it is the govt. for not recognizing and admitting to what we all know is the truth.

Thanks for the information! I have learned a lot here!

Cathie

Posted Sun 27 January 2008 06:04 PM Hide Post
I am the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran USMC . I have had many problems like the rest of you.

Welcome Cathie and please stay with us!
A link to Dave Barker’s website, you will find much more on birth defects:
http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/index.html

Hi!
My dad served in the Marines in Vietnam and I am curious to see if some of the health issues I have are related to AO exposure. Reading your comments here I find I am not alone! I have diabetes, hypothyroid, kidney disease, bipolar disorder, arthritis, asthma, and fibromyalgia, none of which run in my family on either side. I also have spina bifida occulta, which does not affect my health but is worth mentioning the link.
Thanks all for sharing your stories,
Stacy

Welcome Stacy please stay with us! There is much on my website explaining the inaction of the politicians regarding AO and birth defects. Here is a link to my website, you will find much more on birth defects:
http://www.geocities.com/dave_barker_amvet/index.html

I have a friend, whose 27 y.o. son suffers from several medical issues related to the father being exposed to AO. One major issue is Male Reproductive Toxicity (malformation of male organs). The went to a dr. for help, and when the woman walked into the room and saw..she walked out laughing. This has totally devasted this young man, who also has Marfans, and he now REFUSES to go any doctor. We know he is severely depressed, but cannot get him to agree to see another doctor. Can you offer any advice?

My first advice is to file a complaint against the doctor with the AMA, starting in your community local board. That conduct is extremely humiliating and totally uncalled for by any person, much less a doctor. I would suggest legal action as well.
As far as the condition itself goes, that issue has not been addressed by the National Academy of Sciences. I would encourange the man to contact a VSO to discuss the issue and the VSO to inquire of the National Academy of Sciences.
For your review:
Mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity a report by Markku Sallmén, of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, contain the following in research:
Time trends in male reproductive health
Declining $emen quality
Increasing incidence of hypospadias and cryptorchidism
Increasing incidence in testicular cancer in Northern European countries including Estonia and Finland questions: are there common causal environmental factors behind?
Timing of male reproductive hazards
The adult life:
most studies on male reproductive health have focused on this period
Prenatally (examples):
ionizing radiation, cadmium, oestrogens (diethylstilbestrol, DES)
Sex-dependent differences in germ cell kinetics
Male: germ cells undergo expensive mitosis during fetal development, but do not enter meiosis before puberty. -end quote-

I did not see a direct connection with herbicide, but Markku Sallmén does not rule that out. I have not personally had a case of that nature.
DaveBarker

I am a Vietnam Veteran who served in Phu Bai in 1969 and 1970. After returning home I had two children, a daughter first then a son. My son was born with CP in 1982. My daughter has three children. Her second child was born with CP in 1996. I registered with the Agent Orange regisrty back in 1982 and was informed CP was not considered as being caused by Agent Orange. Everyone says it is very uncommon for a family to have two children with CP. Since it is not hereditary, do any of you know of any connections to Agent Orange.
Last year I found out that I have diabetes type 2. I also had open heart surgery last year due to three blockages. Then I had to have six stints put in the arteries going to my legs. I have COPD and a number of other medical problems. I have filed a claim for the diabetes and am awaiting an answer. About three years ago I filed a claim on my hearing but was denied. Still in the appeal process. Any idea on what rating I might get. My heart doctor retired me under my company's disability insurance. SSDI was denied and now being appealled by a layer.

Please review my website as this topic is covered in my book and follow-up articles. Link is on the marquee of this forum, as well on above posts.
Dave Barker

Thanks Dave. I have been on your site a number of times. Now that I'm disabled I'm trying to dig deeper.

I am a daughter of a Vietnam Vet who is 150% disabled. I have numerous health issues that do not run in any side of my family either. I have Lupus, Anklyosing Spondylitis (arthritis of the spine and large joints), Fibromylagia, Asthma, and SEVERE migraines that mimic strokes. Oh yeah and psoriasis too. My only sibling, a brother, has severe psoriasis and severe migraines too and refuses to get tested for lupus! My father takes so many meds he carries them in a duffel bag when away from home. He has diabetes, hypertension, heart issues, ptsd, hiatal hernia (which I found out I have too recently) and on...... Wonder if it is linked somehow? I am permanently disabled at 32 because of my horrid health. Anyone else relate?

Try this link and see if you can relate. The health issues you stated are so vast that I thought perhaps it be better for you to select which entity suited you best.
http://www.heart7.net/states/1800.html

I hope this is of help to you. My best wishes to you and your family and Godspeed.

Eres Tu !
Freddy

Thanks for your thoughtful postings. This is an important issue which all too often affects the families and communities of those who have served.

Dave,
I was just approved for SSDI on July 31st after being denied the first time around. Still waiting on VA Disability rating.
I have been to your site a number of times reading you articles about birth defects. How can I possibly get any consideration from the VA on my son and my granddaughter both being born with CP. There has to be a connection to Agent Orange as you have previously stated.

As of now, there is no presumtive on CP recognized by the VA as related to herbicide exposure. Until the issue is addressed by VA and the NAS, there will be no service connection granted for this type claim. I personally have not reviewed any studies, nor had any documentation of passing the gentic damage to grandchildren. However I do have many CP cases first generation, which I feel may well be related to herbicide exposure.

Dave

I am as you know a VN vet, and I have 2 children who I have told repeatedly to be screened for AO, because they have rashes that break out, in areas that change randomly it seems. I have the same, the difference is that the VAMC recognizes mine, but will not screen them. I know of or have heard of many, many children of VN vets who suffer from a whole host of health issues who are in need of recognition, admission and treatment. But my son, who finally took my advice to be tested for AO (He had ADD & Rash since birth, was turned away. It surprised me that the response to them was to see their family doctor.
Anyway, A thought from you, and you know I enjoy and absorb your great articles, advice. Your dedication to AO and other vet issues is beyond amazement. A true advocate of the heart you are.
Eres Tu!
Freddy