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