recycled disciple

Thank you for your reply. I know that the AO is going to be hard to prove. The deck logs show the ship being in the northern part of the Tonkin Gulf, and the Territoral waters of Vietnam. I do have the service metal for Vietnam and I received combat pay for being in a combat zone. I have those docs, for what they are worth. Some say the combat pay proves, but the metals are being ignored. The VSO felt that was enough information to prove exposure. I didn't need to add Radiation and Solvents. I did write a cover letter that was submitted with my claim that explained my exposure to Radiation and Solvents, At the time I did not have a lot of information about the Radiation, not like what I have now concerning Treasure Island and Hunters point. I did express my concern about not adding Radiation and Solvents to the VSO, he insisted that we didn't need it. The Drs at the VA where I was first diagnosed, thought my illness was Radiation caused. At the time the radiation problem at Treasure Island was not known, so I never thought to mention being stationed there. Some how I think the Radiation and Solvents will be easier to prove. I just have to figure out how to change that claim. I really don't care if it takes a little longer, I just want it correct. Thank you again for your reply

Hi, I have a question concerning my benefit claim. I have been diagnosed with Multi Myeloma, Hearing loss, chronic back pain, etc. I served in Vietnam on a blue water ship. Even though I was a Blue Water Sailor, my VSO insisted that I file my claim for AO, I received a letter from the DVA concerning my claim they want "evidence my ship was in the inland waterways of Vietnam or I went ashore, docked in Da Nang harbor" Yes, my ship( USS Hornet CVS 12) was in the territorial waters of Vietnam, and yes I have proof of that, deck logs. In doing the research for the information needed. I remembered being at Treasure Island in San Francisco. I was there for 2 months in 1966. I also have my service records that show my orders that ordered me to Treasure Island. I found the barrack I was in, it is located in one of the heavy radiation areas. The illness of Multi Myeloma is presumptive for AO. In a recent document about Multi Myeloma from the American Cancer Society dated 05/2015, it says that Radiation is the primary cause of Multi Myeloma. When I was diagnosed with Multi Myeloma and still today, Drs ask me if I had been exposed to a lot of Radiation. After doing the research I feel my illness might be from Radiation and Solvents I was exposed to on the ships. Radiation from Treasure Island, and Hunters Point, my carrier docked there several times I got off and on the ship for shore leave. Solvents, from cleaning bilges in the engine room and other items. My question is with the new information I have just found out, how should I proceed in including the radiation exposure, concerning my claim? Do I include it now? Wait until it is rejected for Vietnam AO, give them the information about where My ship was in Vietnam and hope for the best. I don't know what to do. My VSO says No don't submit the radiation info it will just prolong the claim. I think he might be right about prolong it, but on the other hand it might help if it is put in right away. Any input on this would be helpful