jamescripps2

TinCanMan I thought that you might be pretty sharp and you seemed to be giving some pretty good advice on the difference between direct and presumptive exposure, until you mentioned the Chloracne. The disease of chloracne does usually manafest within 1 year of the last exposure, but it can last for many years and even a lifetime. I don't know where you have been reading but try reading VA's publication,"AGENT ORANGE BRIEF D-2", or anything the EPA has to say on the subject. If chloracne is claimed as a result of direct exposure there is no requirement to even show that it manafest within one year after last exposure. In no circumstance do you ever have to show that it has resolved itself in any number of years. If you have read anything to the contrary please post the link. My own verified case of chloracne is 40 years old at this point and still very much active today. Look it up for yourself. It has been diagnosed by more than ten doctors, mostly VA doctors.

Berta, you are right about,"in his lifetime," I got two cases mixed up, sorry about that. James

Berta, you are right about,"in his lifetime," I got two cases mixed up, sorry about that. James

I do intend to win my claim for agent Orange exposure inside the US, and I think the proof is of record in my claim. Someone sorely needs to break down that barrier. I know of two cases that have been won. the first by Irish, (email jackpot29@msn.com,) Irish, who was exposed at Fort McMlellan has drawn for exposure for 37 years. The other case was,, BVA docket 91-47 197 was awarded to the veterans widow after his death.

Thanks Berta, More information on this one would be an answer to a prayer! If the veteran involved in the AO exposure claim inside the US the, and the resultant favorable decision can release more information it would be very helpful to those of us who still struggle. I will folllow this one closely. jamescripps9@aol.com Thanks, James

I cite 38 C.F.R. 38-303 b. and that statute reads, " Where there is a chronic disease shown as such in service, subsequent manifestations of the same chronic disease at any later date, however remote, are service connected unless clearly attributable to intercurrent causes". http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/j...enew016copy.jpg http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/j...enew024copy.jpg http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/j...new0231copy.jpg A well recognized mound of scientific and medical knowledge confirms the fact that the disease of Chloracne only occurs in those people who have been exposed to Dioxin, which is the contaminant in Agent Orange. The disease resists all treatment and is known to persist for more than 40 years, and even a lifetime. The E.P.A. has publications available to substantiate those facts. As the effects of Dioxin are known to be dose responsive, there exists only two ways to come into contact with Dioxin in such massive doses as to cause the disease of Chloracne. The first scenario would be direct involvement in an industrial accident of such magnitude as to release massive doses of Dioxin. Those accidents are known and the persons involved are tracked for life. It does not take a lot of dioxin to constitute a massive dose. The second scenario is having been exposed to a herbicide agent such as those used in Vietnam. I am due my service connected benefits unless the V.A. can discredit the well documented fact that I have the disease of Chloracne, or clearly show the origin of my exposure as being elsewhere. To deny my claim on its merits, the evidence must preponderate against the claim. I was never an industrial worker, but I was a soldier, with proof of direct exposure. Now add a little reasonable doubt, shake it all about, and see how it all comes out. The acneform disease is noted on my separation service medical examination . That exam took place on Feb.20, 1970, and that date proves to have been13 days inside the1 year limit after my last exposure date of March 4, 1969. as required to claim the disease of Chloracne. The one year statute is not required unless the case depends on a presumptive exposure, rather than direct exposure. The fact that the diagnosis did take place within one year of my last exposure should add considerable weight to the evidence and show that it is not a new case of Chloracne that I claim, but rather one that clearly was overlooked for 38 years because of the classified nature of my exposure which was not de-classified until the year 2003. I only became aware of the AO use at Fort Gordon in 2005. http://www.dod.mil/pubs/foi/reading_room/T...lHerbicides.pdf once again, page49 & 50. I think that I have documented for you at this time about 900 gallons of agents blue, orange, and white plus more than 20 other herbicide agents that were applied at Fort Gordon. That is in addition to my own application of herbicides. How much more do I need to show? http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/j...new0061copy.jpg World renouned AO expert.

I suplemented my diet with the fish and wildlife at Fort Gordon. If this, "hard gotten," evidence is no good for anything else, why not just wallpaper the internet with it! Lets just see what our tax dollar is spent for. I was a Game warden. I was also an avid hunter and fisherman. I took full advantage of the fish and meat source available to me as I did my job at Fort Gordon, well hell, somebody had to do it! I was on separate rations and lived off post with my wife. I ate at home and carried a sack lunch as I worked the rear areas every day. http//i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/jamesmcripps/Picturenew004copy.jpg My report date to Fort Gordon was September 22,1967. I was supposed to go to AIT mortar school but instead was assigned as permanate party and became a truck driver. most of my trip ticketts were to transport troops to the field and ranges. We, as drivers spent the day because we were also hauling the hot water warmers for the C rations and other equipment. http//i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/jamesmcripps/Picturenew013copy.jpg I was in the right place at the right time and was appointed the personal driver for the Deputy Commanding General on 1 April 1968. The DCG was over all training at Fort Gordon, so again we spent most days in the field. http//i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/jamesmcripps/Picturenew015copy.jpg http//i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/jamesmcripps/Picturenew014copy.jpg Upon the retirement of the DCG on July 31, 1968 I was appointed an MP, a Federal Game Warden, and a Deputy Sheriff of Richmond County GA. The appointment of Deputy Sheriff gave me the needed authority over civillians. http//i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/jamesmcripps/Picturenew011copy.jpg My area of patrol was the entire Instillation of Fort Gordon My mythodical methood of patroll was sooner or later to bring me in to those areas that were contamminated with 900 gallons of agents Orange, Blue, White and 22 other herbicides that were applied at Fort Gordon in 1966 and 1967. The most damming of all was the herbicide that I sprayed in the preformance of my duties as a Game Warden. You know, I was not there at the time that all of the spraying took place, but the fish and wildlife that I harvested and ate shure was. Dioxin bioaccumilates up the food chain. http//i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/jamesmcripps/Picturenew008copy.jpg http//i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/jamesmcripps/Picturenew007copy.jpg http//i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/jamesmcripps/Picturenew009copy.jpg More later James

Berta, Do you mean a strong nexus something about like this? If not, I have three more nexus of the same quality. http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/j...e123001copy.jpg http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/j...e123002copy.jpg Chloracne is a military disease. For the VA to deny a veteran a C&P exam in a Chloracne case, is to deny him of his most promising access to a medical opinion, or nexus of the disease. Chloracne, in the true sense of the disease, is so rare now days that only military dermatologist are familiar with the disease. The subject of Agent Orange exposure within the US is so sensitive that it is next to impossible to get a IOM, let alone a nexu of the exposure. I am so fortunate to have found such wonderful people who do not mind taking a stand in the face of the VA intimidation, and knowing full well that there is everything to loose and nothing to gain by standing their ground, and making a professional statement. Most professionals are so timid about becoming involved. The Veteran is left with the burden of proof, without the means to obtain it. I guess that is what is meant to be in the VA's nonadversial process. The VA does have a duty to assist. There are three triggers to pull before a C&P is justified for the veteran. I pulled all three and still the C&P is denied. At this time my case is now certified by the VA as ready to go to the BVA in Washington. It only awaits my submission of the form 9. I can only suspect that this is a deliberate setup. It is a train wreck just waiting to happen! Without a C&P exam, the BVA will only remand my case right back to the Nashville, TN. RO. That is what you call job security, and backlog! Employees of the VARO will even get a bonus for processing the case! They will probably get another one when it comes back in the form of a remand! I am very thankful for the courage displayed by the authors of my nexus letters, there are dam few like them. By the way, can anyone direct me to the complaint department that will not take five years?

Yes it is recent. The story aired on the evening of February 25, 2008. The VA has the "We don't have to," attitude, and the "nobody is big enough to make us," attitude." I have IMO's up the yeng yang, but it does no good. There are 18 doctors involved and most of them are VA doctors. They every one agree that I have the disease of chloracne. The acneform disease is on my service separation medical record. For the VA to deny me the right to prove a direct exposure claim is an illegal act, but there is no complaint department! You have the right to appeal if you think that you can outlive it. The VSO in the video says that the streingth of my case is a 10, and it is. If the VA were playing by the rules, should I not have have won my case at 5. I have proof of 900 gallons of tactical herbicides, blue, orange, and white, were used at Fort Gordon plus the several gallons that I myself applied. in addition to that there were more than 20 other agents used. By the way, the Veteran's Service Officer in the story is with the Disabled American Veterans. As a result of his standing up for me on camera, he recieved a cease and desist order from The National Headquarters Of The DAV. Now, that is just how touchy the subject of AO exposure within the US is. The DVA does not have my POA but, I am a member of the DAV, and a good friend of that VSO. Without some kind of political or media intervention, I am afraid that my case and I have had it. The VA will not allow a case of herbicide exposure inside the US to be won. I only know of two sucessful cases. The first died before his award was granted. (www.va.gov click on BVA and then decisions, type into the search block 91-47 197. The seccond case winner, Irish,( jackpot29@msn.com ) is the daughter of Former State Rep. John C. Bresnahan, who served the 6th Essex District in the Massachusetts Legislature for 22 years. Irish has been service connected for agent orange exposure at Fort McClellan for 37 years now. I consider Irish a good friend and we converse often. More later, James

Ok guys, this is new, never before seen information about the spraying of agent orange at Fort Gordon Ga. in 1966. It has only been viewed by the VARO in Nashville,Tennessee as explicit evedence in my case. It involved 40 ha. One ha is equal to 2.47 acres. The known optimum rate for the application of Agent Orange is three gallons per acre. That amount of defoliation required at least 296.4 gallons of Agent Orange. For those of you who do not know your chemicals, 2,4-D 2,4,5-T picloramic acid is the exact formula for Agent Orange. The Picloram is the nastiest of all of the ingredients, as it assures that the agent will bind tightly to the soil and last for a very long time. ;) http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/j...e123003copy.jpg http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj196/j...e123004copy.jpg For more on the evidence in my case visit http://vets.yuku.com/bvetbenefits scroll down and click on agent orange and then click on CBS News. See the video News Channel 5 More agent orange outside Vietnam. Fort gordon on pages 49 & 50. http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng...70-1-40/c-1.pdf Did they know that it was harmful? Research By James M. Cripps March, 20,2008 This is the web site where the Zumwalt report can be found. http://www.koreanwar.org/html/units/dmz/dm..._69.htm?set=150 Admiral Zumwalt was in charge of all spraying operations in Vietnam. His son was with the Brown Water Navy and was directly involved in the spraying operations. His son died early on as due to Agent Orange related illnesses. The Admiral died a few months back. Pitiful story, but very ironic. REPORT TO SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ON THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS AND EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE CLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL STATUS (1) As Reported by Special Assistant Admiral E.R. Zumwalt, Jr. May 5, 1990 NOT FOR PUBLICATION AND RELEASE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC On October 6, 1989 I was appointed as special assistant to Secretary Derwinski of the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist the Secretary in determining whether it is at least as likely as not that there is a statistical association between exposure to Agent Orange and a specific adverse health effect. When we (military scientists) initiated the herbicide program in the 1960s, we were aware of the potential for damage due to dioxin contamination in the herbicide. We were even aware that the military6 formulation had a higher dioxin concentration than the civilian version due to the lower cost and speed of manufacture. However, because the material was to be used on the enemy, none of us were overly concerned. We never considered a scenario in which. our own personnel would become contaminated with the herbicide. And, if we had, we would have expected our own government to give assistance to veterans so contaminated.

help me fan the flames on this one, there are so many like me who stand little or no chance without media exposure to make the VA comply with direct exposure regulations. Post your comments on the Channel 5 News forum. http://www.topix.net/forum/source/wtvf/TOF1SO8736NIUNHNO/p2 Thanks, James

True, a veteran's claim dies with him, but a spouse can re open the claim. Was your spouse service connected for the diadetes? If so, and he died as a result of one of the residuals of diabetes, such as heart disease, then his death would have been as a direct result of service connected disease. The cause of death has to be on the death cirtificate as such. I think I am on the right track here. Berta and others might can weigh in on this one. I think that you may have a shot here.

This is the web site where my prior post about the Zumwalt report can be found. I forgot to post it earlier. http://www.koreanwar.org/html/units/dmz/dm..._69.htm?set=150 Scroll down to the "Report" and what I posted will be found under item # 5, but the entire report is very revealing. Admiral Zumwalt was in charge of all spraying operations in Vietnam. His son was with the Brown Water Navy and was directly involved in the spraying operations. His son died early on as due to Agent Orange related illnesses. The Admiral died a few months back. Pitiful story,but ironic.

Report REPORT TO TO SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ON THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS AND EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE CLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL STATUS (1) As Reported by Special Assistant Admiral E.R. Zumwalt, Jr. May 5, 1990 NOT FOR PUBLICATION AND RELEASE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC 1. INTRODUCTION On October 6, 1989 I was appointed as special assistant to Secretary Derwinski of the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist the Secretary in determining whether it is at least as likely as not that there is a statistical association between exposure to Agent Orange and a specific adverse health effect. Although the military dispensed Agent Orange in concentrations 6 to 25 times the manufacturers suggested rate, "at that time the Department of Defense (DOD) did not consider herbicide orange toxic or dangerous to humans and took few precautions to prevent exposure to it." Yet, evidence readily suggests that at the time of its use experts knew that Agent Orange was harmful to military personnel.5 _ When we (military scientists) initiated the herbicide program in the 1960s, we were aware of the potential for damage due to dioxin contamination in the herbicide. We were even aware that the military6 formulation had a higher dioxin concentration than the civilian version due to the lower cost and speed of manufacture. However, because the material was to be used on the enemy, none of us were overly concerned. We never considered a scenario in which. our own personnel would become contaminated with the herbicide. And, if we had, we would have expected our own government to give assistance to veterans so contaminated.

I was also stationed in Germany, Heidelberg, 1969--1970 This list in detail! Herbicide use outside Vietnam. Pages 49 & 50 pertain to Fort Gordon and my exposure. I was there and worked in the rear areas as a game warden. I also have more documentation of other AO use and testing at Fort Gordon. http://www.dod.mil/pubs/foi/reading_room/T...lHerbicides.pdf jackpot29@msn.com ----This is the email address for Irish, she has drawn her military benefits as due to AO exposure at Fort McClellan for many years. More on McClellan and my story. http://www.woundedtimes.blogspot.com/

As disabled veterans we have each earned a small chunk of this country's assets. In a protest of the treatment of this nations veteran population by the VA, consider this. If all veterans cut the upper left corner off of every US currency bill before he or she spent it? Imagine the posibilities!

Berta, there is nothing new for you and I, but most of the material covered will be new for a lot of veterans. A baby step in the right direction. I am just thankful that CBS is willing to do anything at all to bring the crisis to the forefront. The finer points requiring vast amounts of time for research and legal issues will be up to the apellant and represenative or lawyer. Right now we just need awareness. I am for the Blue Water Navy, but it looks like they have all of the help and support that they need, they just need a favorable decision. They seem to have their ducks pretty well in a row.

Watch CBS, 6:00 news channel 5 Monday Feb,25 Agent Orange issue. Lead [-] VBNer Posts: 54 02/23/08 07:10:56 Tags [Edit]: None Very important Agent Orange issue. I need your support. The promotional clips started rolling Friday afternoon and will continue to be shown often, all weekend. The actual I team feature will be shown at 6:00 CST on Monday afternoon, the 25th. It will air many times and many places and could make the national news. I would like to Thank Ben Hall and the entire Channel 5 News crew. I salute all of you, and WELCOME HOME! See the video clip now @ http://www.newschannel5.com/ click on Homefront Casualties. If it's broke, then fix it! Go over, under, around, or through. No matter the cost.

So much for accountability! B) Comments: Department of Veterans Affairs Report ----http://www.koreanwar.org/html/units/dmz/dmz_60_69.htm?set=150 cut and paste link REPORT TO TO SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ON THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS AND EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE CLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL STATUS (1) As Reported by Special Assistant Admiral E.R. Zumwalt, Jr. May 5, 1990 NOT FOR PUBLICATION AND RELEASE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC continue on down to page 5 final report on Ranch Hand: Herbicide Operations in SEA, July 1979. According to Dr. Clary: When we (military scientists) initiated the herbicide program in the 1960s, we were aware of the potential for damage due to dioxin contamination in the herbicide. We were even aware that the military6 formulation had a higher dioxin concentration than the civilian version due to the lower cost and speed of manufacture. However, because the material was to be used on the enemy, none of us were overly concerned. We never considered a scenario in which. our own personnel would become contaminated with the herbicide. And, if we had, we would have expected our own government to give assistance to veterans so contaminated. See also notes 13, 73-75 and accompanying text infra for additional information of the manufacturers awareness of the toxicity of Agent Orange. Combat units, such as the Brown Water Navy, frequently conducted "unofficial" sprayings of Agent Orange obtained from out of channel, and thus unrecorded sources. Additionally, as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Vietnam, I was aware that Agent Orange issued to Allied forces was frequently used on unrecorded missions. If I had a blue water case I would consider this info as being a piece of gold. Just think of the implications and posibilities.

My exposure was at Fort Gordon GA. I have a mound of direct exposure evidence. I have all of the required medical opinions and the required nexus. According to the forum on military.com,( see link below) all cases of herbicide exposure outside Vietnam have been frozen. I am not an in country,"boots on the ground" veteran, but if you will read my original posted information below, concerning the use of AO outside Vietnam at Fort Gordon, and then take into consideration my job discription, "A game warden ordered to work in close relation with the Forestry Division", you begin to see the implications of my claim. Also keep in mind, that was not the only event of use of AO at Fort Gordon. I think my case will set a presedence inside CONUS and that is what makes it so difficult. The chloracne is shiwn within the one year requirement for that disease. we are not talking about a new case of chloracne, but a case of where I have lived with the disease for more than 40 years as shown by my evidence in the case. As far as I know, there has been no change in the chloracne regs. The disease is noted on my separation exam. CFR 38 303b; " When a chronic disease is shown in service, manafestations of the condition at any later date, however remote, are service connected unless clearly attributable to intercurrent causes. Now how is the VA going to get around that one? There is only one way, and that is delay-delay-delay-, and then, remand- remand- remand-, and then years down the road comes the anouncement at the BVA, "We are sorry to say that the veteran has died and therefore his case has died with him"................ http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tp...m/5810059161001 Go to the us government web site, www.va.gov, chose BVA decisions. Next type in the search box, DOD herbicide. You will discover that out of the 164 cases heard before the BVA no favorable decision has been reached in a claim for herbicide exposure outside Vietnam! I do however remember hearing that there were a few cases, but a very few, won in connection with exposure in Korea, Thailand, and one in Guam. There seems to be no benefit of doubt given under any circumstances, it seems to require strict proof, and that is how this nonadvesarial process is workingout????

I have re booted and will try once more to post 1 time,again,sorry about that. I have re booted and will try once more to post 1 time,again,sorry about that. I have re booted and will try once more to post 1 time,again,sorry about that.

I have no idea as to why the prior post posted three times, sorry about that. I have no idea as to why the prior post posted three times, sorry about that. I have no idea as to why the prior post posted three times, sorry about that. I have no idea as to why the prior post posted three times, sorry about that.

My case is only 985 days old at this point. I guess that I should feel luckey, but I don't. My diseases are Chloracne, which is noted on my service separation exam five months before I got out of the military, and Diabetes 2. Then there are the residuals of the diabetes such as neuropathy, heart failure, pacemaker implant and so on. I have been SS disabled since 1999. My case is only 985 days old at this point. I guess that I should feel luckey, but I don't. My diseases are Chloracne, which is noted on my service separation exam five months before I got out of the military, and Diabetes 2. Then there are the residuals of the diabetes such as neuropathy, heart failure, pacemaker implant and so on. I have been SS disabled since 1999. My case is only 985 days old at this point. I guess that I should feel luckey, but I don't. My diseases are Chloracne, which is noted on my service separation exam five months before I got out of the military, and Diabetes 2. Then there are the residuals of the diabetes such as neuropathy, heart failure, pacemaker implant and so on. I have been SS disabled since 1999.

Kurt Priessman who is a Thailand veteran who will be speaking on AO_Thailand issue at a big symposioum this spring Berta, if you run across any more information on the Thailand issue I would be very interested. Also, If you get contact info or more info on Kurt Priessman's presentation, that also would be helpful