Blue Water Navy

This morning I contacted my VSO again asking about the info on Guam and what is happening with BWN Claims in our local VA RO here in Reno. Now, the surprizeing statement was this, might get a few in trouble for this, but, more than half of these VA employees are Vet's, and some of them have lost family members to this killer. These folks do NOTagree with what the VA is trying to do and say with the "Boots on Ground" ruling. They say it is wrong. Now we know that they have to follow the rules, but I find this enlightening that even in their posistion they have their thoughts and beliefs about this issue.

Now, I was also informed that our new VA secretary is touring and visiting all the RO throughout the country. I will be informed when he suppose to be here in Reno, and I will make every attempt to be there and try to talk with him. One thing about it, if we can get a direct answer from him about his thoughts he may have, I will give it first hand and not through the rumor mill.

Also, it appears that they are still useing the 3 mile rule, surrounded by land mass on 3 sides and must be anchored at least, so again, Mr. Filner needs to get this going ASAP before to many claims are sent to the denial files and they have to proceed through them all again if things change.

Have a great day all, Ken

Hey Ken,

Here is a dumb question for you. Can you explain the 3 mile rule? Is it 3 miles off the shoreline?

Thanks,
Cindy

Cindy,

This was the question awhile back when this discussion first came up. From what she understands and has gotton out of the VA folks here, it is 3 miles max off coast, but you must have to be in an inlet waterway surrounded by landmass on all 3 sides. It sounds confussing in that wording, but I am not sure that any inlet going into a river in country will be more than a 3 mile distance. I just wonder why if the ship is within this range, why would the ship have to be anchored, especially if being within the Republic of Vietnam will include those waterways as inland. Another thing she did say,the AF fly boys are out of it, but the Thailand, Laos and Cambodia kids have had a lot of discussion also, so there is something that has been discussed in a big manner if there has been this much info released. My crystal ball is still shinning, but maybe I better start using some Brasso and get it glisten......

Later, Ken

Ken,
Nice work, and we should all be kept up to date on any visit by Sec. Shinseki to our local areas.
We've all heard these distance (and time limit) numbers being batted around, but I'm fairly certain there has never been a directive regarding implementing any of those into the adjudication rules. If anyone finds out otherwise, please pass that on.

-JR

Ken,

Are you saying " boots on the ground "in Thailand is being considered by the VA for Agent Orange exposure ? Because it was in the War zone ? Because of the Long. and Lat. ? just wondering. Mac

exsailor
USS Hornet CVS 12
1965-1967
NHL 100 % dis. ( other claims pending) &&&&&&&& boots on the ground Thailand

Mac, all I am saying is what was said to me by my VSO. Somewhere, something has been said about the LCT personnel in conversations through the VA and our VSO's, and that the Air Force fly boy's are looking a little weak in their attempts. As JR said, there are not any directives that he can find at this time, but just taking the information from the source who they are all working in the same building, you know how it can be...and believe me I say that BWN issues are being discussed, atleast here. We are still waiting, but as I have been saying for a while now, I think something is in the wind, they are just not talking to loud right now.

Later, Ken

Ken,
I'm gonna go out and " explore " my VSO ,,, interesting. Mac

There have been about a dozen Thailand veterans who have recently been awarded service-connection for AO. Documentation was revealed that AO was sprayed along the perimeter fence line of all military bases, and specifically the air bases in Thailand. The purpose was to deny any sneak attacks. So they know Agent Orange was in that area. All personnel who were on the fence line,such as the security patrols and fence menders, have been able to get their award. But it's not a presumption of exposure -- it is contamination by direct exposure. If any of the sprayers are still alive, they would obviously qualify, but I haven heard anything on that matter.

-JR

JR

Here's an interesting side note about Thailand , you actually had to take your boots off and go barefoot to tour their " Buddas " and most public areas ( indoors), it was a local custom we were told about it before hand by our leaders aboard the Hornet . So actually we were "barefoot on the ground in Thailand ", and not sure we had our own shoes when we came out. So ,,,,,, is that a factor ? Mac

exsailor
USS Hornet CVS 12
1965-1967
NHL 100 % dis.

Mac wrote:JR

Here's an interesting side note about Thailand , you actually had to take your boots off and go barefoot to tour their " Buddas " and most public areas ( indoors), it was a local custom we were told about it before hand by our leaders aboard the Hornet . So actually we were "barefoot on the ground in Thailand ", and not sure we had our own shoes when we came out. So ,,,,,, is that a factor ? Mac

exsailor
USS Hornet CVS 12
1965-1967
NHL 100 % dis.

Way to go Mac, give the VA another reason to find another delay tactic...now you have done it, The Rule Say's, "BOOTS ON GROUND", and you have mentioned barefoot.....the Appeals courts are going to have fun with this one....LOL

Later, Ken....still LOL

I might see if that gets any " traction " . Gotta baffle em with BS , Mac

you may get service connnected for Tinea Pedis, fungal feet, Athlete's Feet, but they will find a way to deny exposure to dioxins?? You didn't use talcum powder!

The talcum powder would make your socks white , then it would be on your shoes , so your shoes would'nt be shined , then the SP's would tell you you looked bad to the Thai people cause your shoes were'nt shined and send you back to the boat ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you see where this is all going ?

exsailor
USS Hornet CVS 12
1965-1967
NHL 100 % dis ( other claims pending)