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My dad, served in the Army in the late 1950s as a re-fueler of Nike Ajax missiles dealing with JP-4, IRFNA and UDMH. He died 18 months after he was discharged in 1959 of acute myelogenous leukemia. My mom, a newlywed, with a 1 year old, applied for veterans benefits back then and was denied with the "not service connected" reason. I am now trying to re-apply on her behalf. We suspect there may be some linkage from either the toxicity of the fuels and the leukemia. I am aware of special handling gear that these re-fuelers wore. And my mom recalls my dad going for regular blood tests while serving. Her ability to receive benefits hinges on any such connection. So I was wondering if anyone could offer me guidance on how to go about connecting the dots and submitting an appeal. VA has not been helpful. Thanks

Retiredat44, My dad contracted leukemia right after he was discharged from the military and died in 1961. He worked with JP-4 and other toxic substances as a re-fueler of Nike Ajax missiles. Trying to get my mom benefits. Wondered if you ever found any connection of JP-4 to cancer? (i know the benzene link)I studied a lot of reports.. and wondered if you could connect me to the guy you mention in this old post -- "specialist: doctor who does IMO's for these specialist studies, and who has worked within the VA and is familiar with the needed documents) (chemicals and illness for people in petroleum industries) who sent me a very detailed report with references" Thanks.