The Debate Over Agent Orange in Thailand
A specific group of Vietnam-era veterans with illnesses caused by Agent Orange exposure have struggled for years to prove it to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These veterans, who served on military bases in Thailand spanning 14 years from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975, have had their disability claims routinely denied for illnesses identified as presumptive for veterans who served in Vietnam.
Why? Because the VA deemed that these veterans were not actually part of the Vietnam War. They did not set foot on Vietnam soil. Therefore, veterans who served in Thailand at that time were not exposed to Agent Orange.
Use of Agent Orange Confirmed on Vietnam-Era Thailand Military Bases
But now the barrier to VA disability compensation for these veterans has seemingly lifted. Evidence suppressed since 1973 agrees with what they have been saying all along. The declassified Department of Defense (DoD) “Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report: Base Defense in Thailand 1968-1972”reveals top-secret security operations in Thailand and confirms that Agent Orange was used extensively to defoliate the perimeters surrounding the Royal Thai Air Force Bases of U- Tapaco, Ubon, Nakhon, Phanom, Udom, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang. The DoD report has led to a rule-changer for processing disability claims for Vietnam-era veterans who served in Thailand.
New VA Guidelines for Agent Orange Claims
In fact, just over a year ago, in May, 2010, the VA added guidelines to the Agent Orange Act (CFR Title 38 Section 1116) that extends compensation to veterans who supported the Vietnam conflict outside of Vietnam, such as Blue Water Vietnam Veterans. The guidelines are also to be used for processing claims for veterans of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, military police (MP) and Army personnel who provided perimeter security in Thailand.
According to the guidelines, a statement of involvement in perimeter security duty in Thailand with “credible evidence supporting this statement” is required to establish Agent Orange exposure. This means that VA regional officers cannot dismiss an Agent Orange claim because the veteran did not set foot in Vietnam. Instead, they are required to evaluate all aspects of the case to fairly determine if the veteran’s duties, based on “facts found” or on a “direct basis,” led to Agent Orange exposure and illness. If the evidence supports the claim, this would allow for presumptive service connection and disability benefits for the veteran.
Pathway to VA Disability Benefits Still Tough
However, veterans who served in Thailand are finding that it is still hard to break through the “service in-country” stigma at some VA regional offices. And, despite the VA rule changes, the pathway to benefits is not easy. The VA is tough on evaluating proof, even for veterans suffering from presumptive illnesses such as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Ischemic heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease.
Alpha advocates believe that these Vietnam-era veterans, many of whom have struggled with the VA for over 30 years, have waited long enough for benefits due them and their families. They should not give up the fight, and are urged to contact a VA-accredited Alpha advocate to help them prove their claim to the VA.
Note: All representation coordinated by Alpha is provided by our employees, the Advocates, who are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). No private organization that trains and employs accredited agents has been legally recognized by the VA for the purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. This work must be done by the Advocates themselves and not organizations.
56 comments on “Agent Orange Use on Thailand Bases Supports Veterans Disability Claims”
ok, we thai vets may have gained an inch in our fight with a bunch of liars called the DOD but, they still haven’t showed much common sense. If perimeter vets were exposed to A.O. what about the vehicle and equipment mechanics who often worked in those perimeters ? Did the DOD ever hear of wind ? do they think agent orange and other chemicals just layed where it was applied ? TRucks and equipment sucked the vapors into the intakes and burned them along with fuel of various kinds and expelled the even more toxic air out the exhaust. And just how do they think areas were cleared of vegatation for new camps,roads and pipelines that were built in thailand ??
I saw your posting. I was at Utapao and Taklhi in 1972 and ’73. I was a crew chief on Buffs. Thinking back, all those flat bed trucks that came from the bomb dump and how they were covered in dust from the roads. The bases in Thailand were very dusty.
I was also station at u-tapao rtab from late 68 to june 1970. my duties consist of lauching b-52 bombers kc135 tankers, so in other words i work on the flightline. [again what about the wind. Our barracks were not that from the so call perimeter. I suffer from diabetes mellitus an others sickness from being over there. I’ve been denied so many times but what do you do. I guess they’re just waiting for us to “Die”.
As an U Tapao vet I have often posed the question to the VA. “how did the Air Force prevent foliage from growing from the earth that filled the revetment that protected B 52s.” No answer. I have spent time in the tropics since U T and you have a full time job keeping the jungle beaten back from your door step. Also you had better be inside after dark if you don’t want to contract malaria. At U T we worked night and day but I never remember swatting a mosquito while on the base. Bugs, especially rice bugs, would fly in to the lights then die. A young kid never questions why nor did he have any choice of avoiding it. Truth is we were swimming in chemicals at air bases. Now for the government to claim it didn’t happen is criminal and takes us all for fools.
Thank you for your comments. I also were stationed at U-T 1972-73 and ran the parameter wecker service for the Transportation Sq.
Thank you,
Jim Arrington
I was stationed at Takhl RTAFB from 1966 to 1967. I feel that I developed Diabetes Mellitus while I was there due to becoming infected by Agent Orange. I suffered “dropsy” on my right foot, but all the doctors at Clark AFB did was attach a brace to my boot. Years after my discharge in 1967, due to my diabetes, I suffered complications and my right leg was amputated. Four years later, in 2008, I lost my left leg. My problems started while I was at Takli, thus, have applied three times to the VA for Compensation. I have been denied three times because I wasn’t in-country Vietnam, thus, I couldn’t have come in contact with AO because…ahem…AO was not used in Thailand. Now the VA has reversed its course and says it was wrong, AO was used in Thailand. In fact, AO was tested in Thailand before it went to Vietnam. Now, however, the VA says I must prove that I came in contact with AO by working on the flight-line. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Should I apply again?
Joe,
As much as I hate to say this, I would not file again. Since you filed several times you need new and material evidence to reopen the claim. You were denied because you did not serve in Vietnam. In order to reopen this claim you will have to show you actually came in contact with AO. An example of proof that is needed would be showing you had guard duty around the perimeter of the air field. Good luck.
Joe, you should refile if your MOS duty shows you worked next or near the perimeter. Your photos, buddy letters and military records will help you win your case. Look up VA CP May 2010 p.3 on the web showing herbicides were used and Type 2 is an acceptable disease per VA. Do not use Agent Orange as you will be turned down. VA accepts Herbicides exposure to win your case. You must prove you worked near the perimeter to quality for benefits. Alot on the web about changes in Thailand VA requirements
Joe, sorry, VA CP Bulletin 2010 p.3 is the correct website. Note, you can have any MOS , as long as YOU can prove your duty was next or near the perimeter. Not were you lived. Again there are many new websites showing the the new Thailand VA requirements for Herbicide exposure changed in 2010.
My father-in law just died. He loaded Agent Orang on cargo planes in Tailand in 1962. He had prostate cancer, diabetes and in the end stage IV lung cancer. The VA always denied his claims for Agent Orange saying he never served in Vietnam. Now he is dead. He may have never been in country but he loaded barrels of it onto cargo planes. What a joke!
He also had ischemic heart disease and open heart surgery. All of these illnesses are common to veterans following exposure to AO.
I was part of Operation One Buck and arrived at NKP in Aug. 1964. I attended a reunion of the 507th TCG in 1997 and 8 out of the 14 attendees had cancer issues. I have COPD and am a three time cancer survivor. In 2003 a fellow 507th member sent me to a web site that stated the Seabees defiolated the entire area with AO during the construction of the runway we used to airlift our equipment. I am currently in poor health suffering from urinary and colon issues. I have a county VA rep. who is trying to help but I cannot prove I was there because Operation One Buck is still classified. You will find operation Sawbuck which I participated in at Don Muang, and Operation Two Buck, but no One Buck. Can you assist me with this?
Travis,
At this point, we are handling cases for veteran’s who actually served in Vietnam or have an appeal pending. If you served in Vietnam, please call you are eligible. If you didn’t actually serve in Vietnam, eligibility for an interview with one of our advocates depends on whether you’ve been denied recently and or the issue is currently on appeal. From there, you would depend on a conversation with one of our advocates. If the advocate can identify a path of entitlement for you and help you develop a strategy to win, we will take your appeal and go for it.
I am working on a claim as a survivor. My husband, Ted Michael Meyers was at Korat from April ’68 to March 69, with a TDY to Takhli for 30 days. He died at 54 of cancer of the carina (lung cancer), had type II Diabetes and horrible chloracne on his back. He was a crew chief on F105’s. Would appreciate support proving the proximity of the Korat or Takhli flight line to the base perimeter. Thanks so much!
I was at Korat RTAFB 1966-1967 and provided telephe cable and communications all over the Base and also Army’s Camp Frienship. I remember Hanoi Hannah said they were going blow up water tower New Years they didn’t but over 30 Motor emplacements were found around perimeter. Vegistation was eliminated from the sites. Also remember a lot o vegitation was removed to accomadate the Bat Cat Sq of RC 121 and EC 121 were Based there. I know that vegitation didn’t die on its own.
Oct 10, 2012 I sat before a video-conference judge in St. Louis Mo. I am trying to get service-connection to AG for my husband Thomas Dempsey who servered at Ubon Thialand Sept 69-Sept 70. He died April 5, 2005 from every illness listed for AG. With this new ruling I really feel I have a good chance of recieving my DIC. It has been a long time coming to all those who gave their all for their country they so much loved. Tom first filed in 1989 when he first was diagonsed with type II diabettes. I am use to all the rejection letters. I will never give up filing until he gets what he desevered. Joan Dempsey wife of Tom.
I got 20% for diabetes. Worked in Ubon MMS 70-71.Also have IHD and many stents but it has not been settled yet.. First appliede in 1993
Keep ALL copies of your of your medical records and if a doctor gives you an opinion that could help your claim have him put it in writing
Hi, Can anyone tell me just what was in the rows of ‘Drums” Red with painted White band around the middle that were stored along the fence line within the USAF ‘Fuel Farm’ right next to our (RAAF) base area at RTAF Base UBON. I was there in 1968 Ex RAAF.
Thanks,
Mal
I was recently awarded Service Connected Disability Agent Orange. Stationed in NKP Thailand from January to April of 1974. During that time a helicopter was used to spray the northern perimeter of NKP. First Cavalry guys were sent through the sprayed area and would bring the yellow dust on them into the base. There was one room building where free alcohol was served. I would frequent this building everyday. The guys who were sent through the sprayed area would bring the yellow dust on them into the building and dust themselves on us. The First Cavalry guys would also go into the chow line and the airmen bar dust themselves of on us, our food and drinks. Before leaving the service in 1974 and 1975 I had an immediate reaction to the Agent Orange, skin rash, acne, diarrhea, coughing up blood, headaches, breathing problems, joint pain problems, depression, insomnia, nervousness, and other stuff wrong with me. The evidence of a medical record from March 18, 1974, 56 USAF Hospital Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand of diarrhea and bad rash, was proof I was there when the spraying was being conducted at NKP. And Xray’s of soars in my lungs later taken at McClellan AFB in California in 1974 after returning from Thailand. Being sick during and since my separation unfortunately doesn’t qualify me for compensation. Filed in 2008 and was denied. Filed five years later in 2012 and was compensated. What was also key to my evaluation for compensation is a Report Of Medical History which listed all the physical and mental problems I was experiencing before separation from military service. And also the work area of my duty station in NKP which was about 100 yards from the perimeter where the helicopter sprayed.
Those of you from NKP may have other experiences of being in contact with the AO dust. When I was there the troops who went through the sprayed area brought the dust into all areas of the base. Remember seeing yellow powder everywhere on the ground where lots of human traffic would occur during the day.
On behalf of my husband Sgt. Joseph A. Mangini, Airman stationed at Udorn RAFB from September 1966 to September 1967 I’m asking anyone ever stationed at Udorn if they can describe where the motor pool was located?
I was stationed at Udorn in 1968-69 motor pool was near fire house and storage of all kind of stuff
good luck
I am interested in contacting anyone who was stationed at Udorn 7th RRFS during the time frame of June 1967 until June 1968. I was 05H20. Worked next to the Perimeter Fence in the vans for about 2-3 months then the new OPS building until discharged.
This request is directed to Jeffery Nartatez’s comments posted on January 2, 2013. I’m helping an Air Force vet that was stationed at Ubon who’s got Ischemic Heart Disease. Would you be kind enough to share the details that helped to win your case and specifically the lanuage the VA used in awarding your claim. My phone # is 919 363 4856 or you can email me. This vet has no quality of life. Please help.
I’ve been fighting the V.A. since 2003. First they denied me because they said that the U.S. didn’t use Agent Orange or other herbicides in Thailand. The truth: it was used in the early 1960’s for testing purposes before use in Vietnam. Then the next time I was denied they told me that I didn’t even serve overseas. The truth: I served two tours in Thailand. December 1968 to December 1969 in Ubon, Thailand and from August of 19710 to August of 1971 in Nahkon Phanom.
Through the years we discovered that many bases in Thailand flew spraying missions over Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Thailand from U.S. bases in Thailand. Much of it was stored at Ubon Royal Thai Air Base. Not only did Air personnel fly in these spraying missions, but also CIA, Air America personnel. Herbicides were used to clear the jungle area in Thailand in order to build the bases. Thanks to MSGT. Kurt Priessman we now know two things. One is that nearly 99 percent of all flights from Travis Air Base California to Bangkok, Thailand and back to the states, stopped over in Vietnam before landing in Bangkok and again in Vietnam before travelling back to the U.S. The VA apparently isn’t buying this, however he did uncover security documents which proved that the base perimeters were sprayed on a regular basis in order to keep jungle growth down, so the enemy could be spotted by base security guards.
I didn’t work on the base perimeter, but I did live on the base perimeter. My living quarters or hootch was right up against the base perimeter fence with the latrine only a few yards away. I could hear the lizzards crying for food every night as they crawled on the fences.
I’m still waiting again to hear from the V.A. on my most recent claim. I’ve written advocate “Erin Brockavinch” enviornmental advocate and also Dr. Phil. This is the second time I ve asked him to bring this information to veterans and the American people. Have a feeling that the Velvet Hammer in DC told him to stay away from this issue. I suggest that everyone BUG their U.S. Senators and Representatives about helping the “Forgotten Vietnam Vets” before we all die and everything is covered up. Please contact me if you served at Ubon Air
Base and your hootch was located against the base perimeter fence and you have “Agent Orange” related diseases. Regards, Rod from AFTN 940, Ubon, Thailand. rod.douglas@yahoo.com
I was stationed at Ubon , Thailand 1971-1972 and with the 8th Security Police sq . I know for a fact that chemicals were sprayed at night for mosquitoes. I also know there was no vegetation at the dog kennels and around the perimeters & Main gate area also. We had k-9 dogs die from testicular cancer . I also know former security police awarded service connected for herbicides at UBON Feel free to contact me bob_betsey@verizon.net
I was stationed @ Udorn RTAB from 1968 to 1969. I also was stationed @ U Tapao RTAB from 1970 to 1971. At Udorn our hootches where adjacent to the perimeter where Agent Orange was being used as a herbicide to kill the ground cover & vegetation.
Petition (email mchenney@att.net to get package) :
We the undersigned petition the US Senate, US Congress and the President of the United States to enact legislation that makes ALL veterans have equal PRESUMPTION of exposure to Dioxins while in the service of the United States at any location or unit. We feel that ALL veterans MUST be treated equally with respect to Dioxin exposure by the US government and Department of Veterans Affairs.
NOTE: Veterans must also still prove they have a recognized condition that maybe caused by Dioxin exposure during or after service to get DVA benefits.
Currently only veterans of the Vietnam Conflict are afforded this in a limited PRESUMPTION, “Boots on Ground” legislation, if they were in the Republic of Vietnam (Served in the Republic of Vietnam between 1/9/62 and 5/7/75) per the Department of Veterans Affairs. In fact any current end date for any location would be invalid as Dioxins stay active for much longer than the time since the 1962 admitted RVN Agent Orange / Dioxin start date, current end date is the end date for RVN service, per the DVA.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BxTKtx_Mq_m0cTg1c1U4M3JjU1U&usp=sharing
Is it possible with to get in touch with some one who has posted a comment on this site? I would like to get in touch with with Mike Blevins who was in MMS at Ubon.
I was in Udorn AFBase in 69- 70 and lived on the perimeter. I also did some augmetee guard duty with air police. I worked the towersseveral times during my 30 days with this assignment I also worked in supply where we handled endless items some which came in from Vietnam.I filed a claim back in nov 2011 and was denied. I have diabetes for quite some time. It doesn’t run in my family. VA told me I couldn’t prove that I had it in Thailand duh that was over 40 yrs ago. I don’t want to think this but I feel like they don’t want to compensate us because our life expectancy is less than it use to be.
I served at Utapao in 69 to 70. Believe me I was an Admin Specialist.. When I got to the 6th Aerial Port Sq, Det 8, I was told to forget my admin skills, and learn to load and offload 130s and 141s not to mention KC135s, c47s, and any bird that showed up. Plus work the passenger terminal and load and offload passengers and baggage and fly on C130s every week to take paperwork to Hdqs, in Bangkok.
I’m a proud son of a veteran, and a vet myself. I have returned home to find my 76 yr. old mother has been fighting for 4 years now to justify a parkinson’s claim for my father, still living, but severely degraded quality of life. We have 60 day’s to “prove” his parkinsons is related to his military duties in U-tapau. He was awarded the VSM for 116 combat hours over RVN, and was stationed in UT during project checo. He was a boom operator, the aircraft were positioned close to the perimiter, as UT was not very large of a base. Has any one considered that a presurized aircraft from 1 foot to 35,000 receives its presureized air from the compressed air, taken from the intake of the engine? That is the surrounding air/atmosphere is being compressed and pumped into the aircraft. The VA has set the burden of proof on us to show his exposure to tactical herbicides. It is not “presumptive” as for the RVN Vets. I have great respect for all of our men and wemon who have stood bravely against those who wish to do us harm. In my fathers present condition, confined to a power chair, requiring 24/7 care from my mother, I can only hope to be half the man he was in his lifetime. I hope someone may have some direction that may assist us in the burden of proof they are asking for. Bless you all.
Dear Sir,
It sounds like your father served a boom operator on a re-fueling tanker while stationed in U-Tapau AFB in Thailand. More likely than not he probably had to spend some time performing guard duty on the base perimeter either as a sentry or as the NCO in charge of guard duty. Herbicides were used extensively on Thailand airbases to clear the base perimeters and allow the guards to see the enemy. If your dad performed guard duty, this would be the basis for his exposure to herbicides.
Look on-line to see if you can find his unit’s history and see if you can contact any buddies of his to write supporting statements as to the type of duties they had to perform while on U-Tapau. There may be a web-site where there is a contact person who can talk about the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of U-tapau. Even if they didn’t know your dad personally, their statements could be used as supporting evidence of normal guard duty and exposure to herbicides.
In addition, if your parents income is within program guidelines, you can file for pension and aid-and attendance assistance. If your parents are income eligible you don’t need to prove herbicide exposure to qualify for this benefit.
It sounds like you have received what is known as a statement of case (SOC) and you have 60 days to respond. Your response can be that you disagree and that additional supporting evidence, as well as, buddy statements will be coming forward. This allows the claim to stay open as you gather the additional information.
Finally, try and find some evidence that your dad was on a flight that touched down in Vietnam. That might require a lot of digging on your part but an awful lot of airmen, sailors, soldiers and marines never served a day in Nam but were on aircraft that had a stop over in Nam on the way to/from their duty stations.
Best of luck to you and your family.. our thoughts and prayers are with your Dad.
I was stationed at Udorn 67-68. I remember the night the VC attacked the base.I was at the Lucky 7 bar when AP came in and told us go back to the base.I was a crew chief on RF-C phantom right next to Air America. When it rained chemicals from barrels ran down the tarmack on to flight line . I have pererial neuropathy. Call me. Ken
Ken,
I will have one of our representatives contact you shortly. Good luck.
I was at Utapao from 74 to 75. Worked in CE Supply compound. I know there was Agent Orange stored and used there. Also know that it was sprayed from back packs all along the roads and fences. Need someone else to confirm this so VA will accept my Herbicide claim.
Please email if you can help.
I was at Utapao and Udorn 68-69..”Red Horse”..always on the flightline, and passing through perimeter security checkpoints frequently. Hell, we built the guard towers for the perimeters. We had a mountain we were using off base for the lateralite/class5 material to fill the revetments we were building..constantly traveling between the perimeter of the base.. Air America was inches form our work stations..We were constantly driving to and from the base dump, actually off the base..I was diagnosed with Diabetes few months ago…and am starting to file a claim..I have had a rash since 1968 which was actually passed on to my son at birth..come on!! Any help would be appreciated..
Pat (bratroast@yahoo.com)
i was stationed at Udorn RTAFB 1968-69 i have been denied service connected exposure to agent orange herbicide, i have hearing loss,tinnitus, prostate cancer, type ii diabetes, with no family history of any.
i to severed in thailand,takhli 1967-1968. pulled guard duty in the ammo an bomb dock, even helped to recover air craft that crashed while trying to land an went into the boonies, the tree line area where the jungle started. i was also denied disability for diabetes twice, i now have a lawyer i dont know anything else to try an do.
I will attempt to simplify my Issue. I was deployed to NKP Aug. 1964 the day after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. The code name was operation ONE BUCK. The DOD/ VA claims there is no operation with that name during that time period. In Sept. 1964 I was awarded the Armed Forces Ex. Medal. It was rescinded in Oct. All of this info is on my dd-14. The DOD will not declassify this file. I have been told that only a judge can declassify this file. I currently have an appeal for a judge ruling
This is for Richard Ford—-Richard,I was stationed at the 7th RRFS from April 1967 to June 1968 when I was transfered to Det.B in Ubon. I filed a claim for diabetes and was just recently denied. I can remember working out of the DF vans,I was an 05D20,and trucking to and from the vans. Also pulled some guard duty at the site entrance. Maybe we can be of some use to each other. I plan on appealing my decision. Unfortunately I wasn’t very prepared when submitting my original claim. Took almost 2 years to try and get paper work together. please contact me at your convienence. Thanks
I was stationed at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Airbase from May 1966 to May 1967. I have been denied disability pay for exposure to Agent Orange.
My company arrived at NKP before the main runway was completed.
We were assigned sand bag bunker builders and placement of trip flares on the outer perimeter as Agent Orange was being sprayed from a truck covering all the area between the inner and outer perimeter.
I am hoping to contact any body who served at NKP from May of 1966 to May of 1967 in hopes learning of any illness they are experiencing now.
I can be contacted at gebreyer@aol.com
My name is Gary E. Breyer
Thanking you in advance.
i was at utapao from nov 1966 to june 1969. i worked on thr flight line on kc135 and b52s, oms. i lived in the hooches by the flight line. my hooche was the 3rd one from the barbed wire fence and the jungle. they wood drive done the road by the hooches spraying from a truck. the spray would float into the hooches.
I was stationed at Korat AFB from June 1971 to June 1972 assigned to the 388th AMS. I worked on EC-121s right next to the perimeter and its hard to believe that we were not exposed to herbicide overspray. I was also exposed to spray right outside my barracks one day by a blue tractor pulling a white drop nozzle tank sprayer and the asian operator had a mask on . Thare were two other people as close to the spayer as i was . I currently have a claim in for IHD.
The air force sprayed the base Utapao and the perimeters weekly. I saw them when I was there 1969-1970. I have non hoskins lymphoma and many other problems from the poison in the air and the wells water and the dusty roads.
Louis,
I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions about your time in the services and determine your eligibility for VA Benefits. I hope you will give us a call at (877) 611-7724.
George,
I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions about your time in the services and determine your eligibility for VA Benefits. I hope you will give us a call at (877) 611-7724.
I was at Ubon Thailand Jul 62 to Jun 63 would like to hear from anyone in that time frame. Email or call 405 818 2810.
My email add. nanlynyoung@sbcglobal.net
I was stationed at Nakom Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base June 1971 till June 1972. I have had many medical problems and I would like to know where to file a claim for Agent Orange exposure.