MGUS with Polycythemia Vera (PV)

Hi@vnvet, First let me thank you for your service to our country. I lost my brother to his exposure of Agent Organge 4 years after he was doused with it in a training exercise at Ft Lewis, Washington. He was so ill immediately afterwards that he couldn’t stay in active service but was at least honorably discharged. He developed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and passed away when he was 27 years old. That was in 1969…what a waste. And the army accepted no responsibility. At least now there is some acknowledgment of the human toll this chemical takes on the people who were exposed. I’m sorry you were one of them.

You’re not alone in this as there are some previous discussions where veterans and members have shared experiences with Agent Orange. Here are some of the links below and a link from the American Cancer Society. Some don’t apply to you directly but you’ll be able to join in conversations with other vets.

American Cancer Society has this:
ttps://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/chemicals/agent-orange-and-cancer.html

Agent Orange and Neurological Disorders:
— https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/agent-orange-and-neurological-disorders/

Agent Orange/Dioxin related illnesses:
— https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/agent-orangedioxin-related-illnesses/

Also, here are a couple of links that you may find helpful:
What you need to know about agent orange:
— http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/17744/10-things-every-veteran-know-agent-orange/

How to go about getting help/compensation:
— http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-postservice-agent_orange.asp

I’m happy to hear the Hydroxyurea is working for you. How often do you need repeat blood work?

Medical "connection" between PV and Agent Orange ?
I am a Vietnam war veteran questioning whether the VA position of no linkage between PV and exposure to Agent Orange (and possibly other defoliants) used during that conflict, and to which I was often exposed for the year that I served there, was valid or still accurate. I have been and still am, receiving medical /oncological treatment for PV and other skin cancers which have no history in my family bloodline.

@vnvet, I moved your question about the medical connection between polycythemia vera and agent orange to this discussion where you have already connected with @loribmt on the topic.

Agent Orange has been associated with many blood cancers. But polycythemia vera is not on the list published by the US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Veterans' Diseases Associated with Agent Orange https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/

This article provided on VA Disabilty Group might be helpful for you. It is discussion veterans with PV
- VA Disability Compensation for Polycythemia Vera https://vadisabilitygroup.com/va-disability-compensation-for-polycythemia-vera/

Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative (MPN) disease. However, as the article discusses, PV and MPNs aren’t on the list of accepted diseases. But there’s power in numbers and it would be beneficial if you were to contact this advocacy group. CureToday.com.
- Agent Orange’s Possible Link to Rare Cancer Type Sparks Advocacy Efforts https://www.curetoday.com/view/agent-oranges-possible-link-to-rare-cancer-type-sparks-advocacy-efforts

Are you still in treatment hydroxyurea? Do you also require phlebotomies?

Yes, I take 500mg of hydroxyrea daily but have not required phlebotomies for nearly a year as my blood samples have stabilized between 45 - 50. I see my Oncologist every 3 months now for checkups. While the PV blood chemistry seems to have stabilized, I've experienced an increase in arm bruise marks and skin cancer eruptions on my arms and scalp. I never had any of these problems prior to my service in Vietnam as a combat where I flew low level missions often in Agent Orange sprayed areas as a combat rescue helicopter pilot either landing in or hovering over treated areas where crew exposure to and injestion of the agents was impossible to avoid. It is very difficult for me to believe that there is no connection between Agent Orange exposure and these medical problems I've been experiencing.

Thank you for your service to us. My husband was in Vietnam 64-68 in the Navy. However, he passed from Covid in 2020. Bless you.

I am so sorry you lost your husbad at such a young age. Have you consulted the DAV to see if you are eligable for a widow's pension. There have been substantial changes to the benefits available for Vetnam Veterans (Blue Water Sailors). Your husband may have been more likely to have serious reactions to the Covid because of illness he may have sustained in Vietnam (Agent Orange). If you are not eligible for this assistance, remember you are eligible for a Veterans Widow's pension, and you are eligible for the VA Loans. Many women are not aware of the benefits that are available to them if they only file. I also thank you for all the help you gave this Veteran and I wish you every happiness in the future.
Gina5009

Yes and thank you. The VA agent reached out and assisted with referrals. Would be lost without the benefits. God bless you.

I am so glad you were successful with the VA. It is not always easy, although I have heard it has become a little easier since the new legislation. I also am very thankful for the DAV ad the assistance they have given me. Hope you are finding life good and that all of your family are doing well
Gina5009