I was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) / Leukemia / anemia in May 2012 at the Salisbury VA hospital in NC.My bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells and the immature cells are being kiled off. I have filed my claim with local VSOs and they have helped with filing my appeals.
I have searched for a technical order that states we should wear protective gear....i.e....respirator etc. but I have not had any success.
Background:
I enlisted in the Air Force in February 1973 and was an Avionics Instrument Specialist (AFSC 325X1) until I cross trained in 1983. Part of my job was to troubleshoot and repair the aircraft fuel instrument systems. Repair included having to crawl inside aircraft fuel cells to replace wiring and probes. Prior to my entering the tank, the cell was defueled and the crew chief / fuel system technicians would us a string mop to mop out any remaining fuel as best then could. We did not have any protective gear available (respirators etc) except white cotton coveralls to wear when we entered the fuel cell. Entry to the tank was through an open panel and once we were inside, an air hose was inserted into the hole to provide air. However, the hose was about the size of the entry hole. A safety person would stay by the entry to check on the person inside the cell every so often.
Current situation:
I am living in GA now and go to the Atlanta VA for my treatments. The social worker for the Oncology department helped me with my initial claim for social security disability. It was approved within 22 days and I am now 100% disabled. Of course, the VA claim is still open because, as you know, we have to prove ourselves innocent.......... I had no symptoms of benzene exposure during my career but then again, I hardly ever went to the doctor. Check out the link to see what the Material Safety Data Sheet says about JP4 and blood disorder/bone marrow on page 7
http://www.hess.com/ehs/msds/9947JetFuelJP4.pdf
I am now waiting for an appointment with a DRO along with my American Legion representative. Finally got my VA doctor to write a letter saying that my exposure to benzene was the most likely cause of my MDS.
Glad I found this forum.