area at Ubon RTAFB, Map of the Munitions Military leadership established training and procedures to establish a uniform standard for the use of herbicide. A search and rescue team inspected the crash site and observed at least 4 bodies in the wreckage, but were only able to recover the partial remains of one individual before they had to withdraw due to a heavy presence of hostile forces in the area. Unlike veterans who served in Vietnam and certain areas of Korea, veterans who served in Thailand are not entitled by law to a presumption of exposure to tactical herbicides, the spokeswoman said. With facilities in Cambodia, India, Korea, Laos, Thailand, Puerto Rico, Canada, as well as at sea, Agent Orange was stored at many overseas locationas well as used for testing purposesup until 1970. AC-47s were the most common type of vehicle on April 4, 1966 in the United States. Dubbed Operation Ranch Hand, millions of acres were being sprayed in Vietnam by the late 60s. If military police conducted foot patrols at the perimeter, the situation would have been completely exposed. 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. The facility can also serve as an emergency landing if necessary. When the VA implemented FL 09-20 in 2009, it had no policy on herbicide exposure around Thailand base perimeters. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Ubon RTAFB with more MMS detail, Map of the Cantonment The herbicides were in the very air, he believes. Taking into account the geography of Southeast Asia and the multiple roles assumed by military personnel traveling to and from the airbases in the area, it is entirely plausible that a military transport from Clark AFB in September 1970 stopped at an airbase in Vietnam to drop off and/or pick up passengers prior to continuing on to Thailand. The wing flew its first combat mission on 5 May 1966. The documents show that the use of herbicide was recommended in 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1973. 09-42 836, Other VA compensation claim resources on this website, VA Notice of Disagreement (NOD) Delaying VA Claim Decision, VA Compensation Claims Types of Material Evidence, Filing Online VA Compensation Claims with eBenefits, Eight Distinct Steps Most VA Disability Compensation Claims Follow, Sgt Dale Brandenburg Systems Repair Technician. What Is The Most Important Factor To Consider When Choosing A Tactical Flashlight? Agent Orange and Blue were present in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Since that time, we have provided compassionate The 435th TAW was activated on 1 April 1966 and its first commander was Colonel Harry A. George. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 area on the South section of U-Tapao RTAFB, Map 11 - the routes taken You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. endobj DOD has confirmed that Agent Orange was also stored or sprayed in the following areas: It has also been alleged that Agent Orange was present in the Panama Canal Zone from the 60s to the early 70s and in Guam from the mid 50s through the 60s. 1 0 obj They were relocated to Clark Air Base in the Philippines in April 1972, after a three-month stay in Singapore. All Thailand veterans should be diagnosed with herbicide exposure as soon as possible. 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 His living quarters were also close to a base perimeter, he recalled. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. of the Cantonment area of Don Muang RTAFB, further details of the of the Cantonment area of Don Muang RTAFB, details of the of the Cantonment area of Don Muang RTAFB in PDF format, of Don Muang RTAFB The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Testing of 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D and other herbicides in Puerto Rico. Agent Orange in Thailand Several reports show that Agent Orange and other herbicides were used and stored on numerous Royal Thai Air Force Bases (RTAFB) during the Vietnam War. However, documentation and sworn statements by military personnel contradicted that position. The 435th TAW 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. However, before 2010, veterans stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War didn't receive that same consideration. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. You submit a claim, Harmon said. many diseases presumptive to Agent Orange exposure in the RVN are rearing their ugly head. A spokeswoman for the Air Force said neither the author of the AFHRA memo nor anyone else was available for an interview. 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. For years, the U.S. government denied ever spraying Agent Orange or similar herbicides in Thailand, leading to continual denials from the VA for those veterans who served in Thailand and are now suffering the effects of herbicide exposure. Recently, the VA has acknowledged that certain veterans who served in Thailand between February 1961 and May 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides. 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. In addition, some U.S. Army veterans who provided perimeter security on those bases or who served with a military police unit may have Agent Orange Thailand exposure. He has to apply and use a catheter twice a day, something he expects to do for the rest of his life. Proving Agent Orange Exposure for Veterans Who Served in Thailand U.S. military bases in Thailand were some of the first bases established in the Vietnam War theater of operations, and the veterans who served on those bases were just as Nicholas Simpson, Attorney [1] It is in the city of Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand and is the main airport serving the city and province. The 435th TAW was inactivated on 30 September 1974. Call: 988 (Press 1), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420. Even those who were exposed to herbicide agents under VA policy were denied benefits in the past. Call for immediate help at 401-331-6300 or contact us online. 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. Thus, those veterans with boots on the ground service were granted presumptive service connection if they suffered from specific medical conditions, making it much easier to obtain VA disability compensation for their diseases. These diseases, which were placed on a list for "presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange," include Parkinsons disease, Hodgkins disease, Ischemic heart disease, AL amyloidosis, chronic B-cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, and early-onset peripheral neuropathy. Skinner, who has fought prostate cancer since 2018, has gone through 44 treatments of radiation therapy. of Takhli RTAFB, Annotated Google Map Photo of Storage and Maintenance, Missle Maintenance Shop at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Defoiliated Contact Us <> I guess the VA doesnt believe the wind blows, Skinner said. This is the best map of the base layout at Ubon RTAFB I can find. Lets take a look at the process of filing online VA compensation claims through your eBenefits account. This same presumption exists for those who served in the Korean demilitarized zone between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971. Overall, this research involved field tests of different mixtures and formulations of the herbicides produced by chemical industries. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links. 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. WebSpecifically, the VA stated that the following veterans may have been exposed to herbicides such as Agent Orange: U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force The federal government sprayed several places with Agent Orange, including Korea. area near the Weapons Storage and Maintenance Area at Ubon RTAFB, Map of the and Bangkok International Airport (Vietnam era), while landing at Contact us to speak with an intake specialist for free. 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. Here, a short-term evaluation was orchestrated by personnel from Fort Detricks Plant Science Lab in coordination with contract research completed by the United States Department of Agriculture and University of Hawaii sites. 5 unexploded charges were discovered, as well as two C-47s that had been damaged. The bill was last referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in June. The base is home to the Royal Thai Air Forces 1st Air Division, and is also used by the United States Air Force (USAF). During these operations in Thailand, Sergeant Richard E. Wolf received a letter of commendation for his service. Being stationed in January 9, 1962 through June 30, 1976, or; Laos. The wing flew missions in support of the U.S. military forces in Vietnam and Laos. 10-43 072, Citation Nr: 1222558 Decision Date: 06/28/12 Archive Date: 07/10/12 DOCKET NO. 05-18 110. In order to show a service connection between your disability(ies) and your active duty service, you must show an in-service event that documents your claim. details of the RTAFB side of the field, details The PACT Act establishes a presumptive service connection between Thailand veterans and the United States. Those who were exposed to Agent Orange outside of Vietnam or Korea must provide evidence that they were actually exposed to the herbicide. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. Thats what we do; we get creative, Mineer said. Ubon Air Base was a US military facility located in Thailand from 1965 to 1974. We can help you develop your veterans benefits claims for service connection and veterans benefits compensation. Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base (Udorn RTAFB) is a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base, the home of 23rd Wing Air Command. 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.. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? The National Archives only preserved two percent of military records, and herbicide records were not considered important. 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. 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. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. 09-42 836. 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. 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. The Paris Peace Accords were signed on January 27, 1973, by the governments of North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the United States. The Royal Thai Air Force Base (RSAF) in Ubon Ratchathani is a military base in Thailand. Questions sent to the offices of Portman and U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton. Vietnam War-era veterans who served in Thailand say theyre still fighting. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 3. 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. /X!`h8 p'Dwa.6jl(".l']qG":N"|{uM/ /;Cplh8;F>qy=P)5*!TIR=\.Cn V}9gp3:(gZ5xeB*gI 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). Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? The 555th TFS of the Air Force performed more than 10,000 combat missions and achieved a 99% success rate on combat missions. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. They (the VA) dont give you a definition of what the perimeter is, Harmon said. We have updated our Privacy Policy. Defoliation operations were carried out near the Udorn perimeter during this time period, according to reports. Service as a military policeman or duty near the base perimeter. Filing Online VA Compensation Claims with eBenefits If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. 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). The first raid, a mortar bombardment, reportedly took place Sunday night at Ubon air base in eastern Thailand. WebU.S. 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. The wing also flew humanitarian missions in Cambodia and Thailand. While you focus on taking care of yourself, let us take care of the claim process and secure the disability benefits you deserve. 635th Security Police Squadron herbicide was used to clear a 100-foot-wide section of the perimeter fence after the attack on U-Tapao. Veterans Court vacates BVA decision denying veteran was exposed to Agent Orange while stationed at a Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in 1962. In addition, some U.S. Army veterans who provided perimeter security on those bases or who served with a military police unit may have Agent Orange Thailand exposure. 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. Trones bill would force these to be adjudicated this quicker, presuming that they were exposed to harmful herbicides. treated with Agent Orange. Im spending out of pocket about $6,000 to $6,500 a year in medications, he said. 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. by Sappers at U-Tapao RTAFB, Return to the Batcat Veterans Benefit homepage. Cantonment area at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Nakhon Phanom - A Security Police Sentry Dog Handlers Perspective, Map of 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. Additionally, national archives show that various herbicide missions were launched from Thailand twice in 1966, twice in 1967, and also in 1969 and 1970. Sen. 10-43 072. The report notes the significant use of Agent Orange to remove foliage that Takhli held an annual training event between March 17 and 21, 1969, and July 13 to 16, 1970, respectively. Korat RTAFB detailing areas of the base near the perimeter, Map showing the location of Camp Friendship, Map showing the Cantonment area of Camp Friendship, Map of the Flight Line at The veterans benefits attorneys at the Berry Law Firm have helped many veterans who served outside of Vietnam receive benefits for exposure to Agent Orange. Southeast Asias first F-4C Phantom II unit was formed in 1971 when the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron was formed. Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Map of the Flight Line, perimeter This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Lets be real, this was 60 years ago, Trone said. WebUbon Royal Thai Air Force Base is a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) facility located near the city of Ubon Ratchathani, in Ubon Ratchathani Province. In Thailand, there is extensive herbicide use on military bases. VA Compensation Claims Types of Material Evidence The uses of numerous herbicides at many sites were recorded, to include: During the Vietnam War, herbicides were also stored at military bases all over the world. It is illegal and arbitrary for the VA to make an arbitrary and unlawful distinction between commercial and tactical herbicides. A Maryland Democrat, David Trone, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, has introduced the latter piece of legislation. Thats our job., Its still essentially a case-by-case basis, Chisholm said. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 It was established in 1913, making it one of the oldest air forces in the world. In Thailand, military personnel used the same herbicides as in Vietnam. Instead of receiving presumptive service connection for their exposure to Agent Orange, they had to prove three conditions to qualify for direct service connection disability: With presumptive service connection, a veteran only needs to prove the first two elements because the third is "presumed." 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. Some tenants provided Air Traffic Control services to the Ubon tower, which was owned by others. Testing of Agents Orange, Purple and Blue at the Gagetown military base in New Brunswick, Canada, where eventually the Canadian government was forced to pay restitution to citizens who claimed health problems due to the dioxin contamination. Subsequently in 1967 the Dow Chemical Company, a manufacturer of Agent Orange, was awarded a Department of Defense research contract. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. 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. Korat RTAFB, Brett Watterson sent me this map of Korat RTAFB which he highlighted the full perimeter, Official Department of the Air Force Map Skinner said the denial was frustrating. Additionally, C-123 Aircraft that were used to The VAs distinction between tactical and commercial herbicide use is irrelevant to federal law or regulations. Specifically, in 1956, numerous herbicide chemicals were evaluated on tropical woods in Mayaguez and Guanica, PR. Eight Distinct Steps Most VA Disability Compensation Claims Follow Restore Clarity And Brightness: Get Your Steiner Binoculars Recoated! The US used C-123 aircraft to spray the herbicides over the forests of Vietnam during Operation Ranch Hand. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. have hearing loss. 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. diJe~wwlvxd%NNZOvbw.U1?@K!hW eS)Q6UTY-_iYqYr^:ps%5||*H o%=TO|~P/suK^V>OO ; xMv.)yJbO d,a+pMmIWIoA5dStD+H$^PEaeMC hI{R0Y@#R5K.t Millions are suffering from mental illness, exacerbated by the pandemic. The information you obtain on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. 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. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. A VA spokeswoman said If enacted, S.657 would expand universal eligibility for veterans who served in Thailand. 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. Visit the Agent Orange Registry website to learn more about how to get an Agent Orange Registry exam and to find out how to protect yourself from the disease. Chisholm said he and like-minded attorneys representing veterans who served in Thailand are winning these cases one at a time, but with detailed evidence, detailed arguments, detailed affidavits. To view this webinar CLICK HERE. He did so much research on this letter (the Aug. 2015 memo)., These men are now in many cases in their 80s, Trone said. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. 553rd Reconnaissance Wing Batcat Veterans Benefit, is h#{mcXuXL] This distinction is frequently used by the VA to deny Thailand exposure claims. including the Herbicide/Agent Orange Drift Zone, Map of the Munitions Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 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. Those who work in security-related military occupational fields, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs Thailand perimeter policy, do not face any exposure. It is located approximately 488 km (303 miles) northeast of Thailand, and 60 km (40 miles) east of Laos border. The last of Constant Guards F4 augmentation forces was released in September 1973. The base was established in 1955, and was used by the USAF during the Vietnam War. Moving target radars, a low-light television set, and an infrared camera were all part of the B-57G. Turner hassupported similar legislationin the past. But proving it isnt always possible, others say. Many veterans like Dan Tolly of Tampa who served on those Thai bases are sick. According to historical accounts, a squadron in 1971 began spraying herbicide on troublesome plants. 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. B=l6>*@ C=*D`@}Fw< AV9! [*\ M_`oH( 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.