Agent Orange and Neurological Disorders

I was urged to apply for Sericce connected Mediacl Issues from agent Orange (Dioxin ) The VA asked for Scientific and Medical Evidence that my thyroid issue was caused by my Vietnam Service and exposure to Agent Orange. . Of course no way in Hell I can provide that. But searching for info about Dioxin and came across posts here and was shocked at the Myriad of health issues caused by Dioxin and even how it affected their Children! My Daughter has MS. It hiurts to think it may have been caused by me.

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This is what anger me, the daughter of a Vet.

I have fibro, I have degenerative disc disease and numerous neurological issues.

And every doctor at every new symptom says, "But you are younger than most patients with this."

But US military doesn't want children of AO Vets studied because that's liability and responsibility.

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Vietnam War veterans with prior exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange may be at higher risk for certain types of skin cancer, suggests a report in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Skin Cancers Present in About Half of Vets Exposed to Agent Orange
During the Vietnam War, Agent Orange was widely used as herbicide and jungle defoliant. It has been linked to a wide range of cancers and other diseases, caused by the highly toxic dioxin contaminant TCDD. "TCDD is among the most carcinogenic compounds ever to undergo widespread use in the environment," according to Dr. Clemens and coauthors. Veterans Affairs recognizes and provides benefits for certain cancers and health problems associated with prior dioxin exposure during military service, however skin cancer is currently not one of them.
The researchers analyzed medical records of 100 consecutive men who enrolled in the Agent Orange registry at the Veterans Affairs Hospital of Washington, DC, between August 2009 and January 2010. Exposure to TCDD consisted of living or working in contaminated areas for 56 percent of veterans, actively spraying Agent Orange in 30 percent, and traveling in contaminated areas for 14 percent. The study was limited to men with lighter skin types.
Non-Melanoma vs. Melanoma: The VA’s Use of Agent Orange in Viet Nam
March 31, 2015/in Agent Orange, Veterans /by Hill & Ponton P.A.
Over the years, there has been a great deal of documentation on how herbicides affect veterans – specifically Viet Nam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Agent Orange was a chemical spray widely used during the Viet Nam War to clear and destroy foliage in the jungles. Although effective in its purpose, it has been linked to a wide range of cancers and other diseases due to the fact it contains dioxin – a well-known carcinogen. The impact Agent Orange has on the skin – the body’s largest organ – is the primary focus of this blog.
Back some years ago, between August 2009 and January 2010, a study was conducted amongst those veterans who enrolled in the Agent Orange Registry at the Veterans Affairs Hospital located in Washington, D.C. The study examined 100 men who worked in contaminated areas, were involved in the actual spraying of the agent, and those who traveled in the contaminated areas. Of the 100 men, all were known to have lighter or fair skin types. [Isn’t that ironic?]
Of the group tested, 43% was found to have a skin condition known as chloracne which has been proven to be caused by dioxins – as previously stated; a well-know carcinogen. Some of the other findings from the study included:
• 51% of the veterans having a non-melanoma, invasive skin cancer (still skin cancer);
• 73% represented veterans having participated in spraying Agent Orange resulting in the highest risk of skin cancer, and lastly;
• men with the lightest skin type and eyes also having a much higher risk of contracting non-melanoma skin cancer.
The good news is that there was no increased risk of the most dangerous type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. Although a deadly form of cancer, the study did not document any differences between those males of similar age exposed to Agent Orange as compared to the general population. With that said, I do want to stress that this study took place five (5) years ago in 2010. Additionally, the study sample was extremely limited in both size and population.
Obviously, further studies are warranted to accurately decipher the impact of Agent Orange exposure as it relates to melanoma and non-melanoma types of cancer. [Not from any war-related contaminants, but via personal experience with malignant melanoma and its ramifications, I cannot express my adamancy of further research in this area.] Fortunately, this is exactly what is happening. Maybe not fast enough, though, since now four decades after the Viet Nam war ended, we are seeing an increase in the rates of non-melanoma skin cancer caused by this potent jungle defoliant. How could we not see such increases and possibly worse ailments — .these men and women were exposed to gallons upon gallons of this cancerous pesticide. Granted, the government’s reasoning was to destroy and remove the forestry that was concealing the enemy by destroying the crops. That it surely did. But today, we know that there were over 1.5 million Americans serving in Viet Nam during that time when the use of Agent Orange was most intense. Was this the best alternative? Our men and women may have survived the war zone, but now are battling a new war back at home!
Back in the 70’s, veterans returning from war began to report a number of ailments that included skin rashes that seemed “minor” in nature. In having discussions with my husband and his fellow Viet Nam veterans, they often referred to this condition as “jungle rot”. [This is a discussion for a future blog.] Today, it is quite common to hear of the skin condition, chloracne, which was observed in 43% of the veterans who were part of the study referred to above – much more than just a “minor” ailment..
The researchers acknowledge that flaws existed in their study and that more extensive research to include a control group is necessary to obtain more accurate results. The relative risks within this population most definitely warrant further studies in an effort to support our veterans and provide the care they earned and truly deserve. Let’s work together to make sure this happens for our veterans and those currently serving our country – the United States of America.

Thank God for our sisters and brothers in the military! -- jjames

I HOPE THIS HELPED OTHER VETS AND FAMILY MEMBERS.

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jjames,
Excellent article. I'm Veteran who spent three tours in Vietnam. At 82 the effects of Agent Orange proceeds though out my body. After surgery to remove squamous skin cancer to the VA want further blood testing to determine my MGUS blood numbers and if those number indicate other medical problems. After 48 years and over 400,000 dead Vietnamese our government is looking at those of us who spread the toxin. In reality it's to later for most of us.

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is anything being done about gulf war veterans and the multi issues we face

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Hello @magume, Welcome to Connect. There is some information on the VA's website that you might find helpful. It includes a link to a Gulf War Registry Health Exam under the VA benefits section.
--- Gulf War Veterans’ Medically Unexplained Illnesses:
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/medically-unexplained-illness.asp.

Do you mind sharing what health issues you are facing?

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Yes. I also want to let everyone know that we used other stuff besides Agent Orange and let you know that one of these is Agent Blue which was used in Nam. There is not much research on what problems is associated with it. I have lots of skin cancers and I believe that that is caused by Agent Blue.

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