Mitch

Thank you for the kind replies everyone. I appreciate your kind welcome. Berta, it's a long story. haha Essentially, I've been to the VA several times in both Indiana and Florida (where I am now), to the point of pestering them. Not only that, but I have written every congressman and every senator as well as hired a GREAT attorney who specializes in Veteran's affairs to hear my story. I have a very large file with all my paperwork, my story and my history that I freely send to anyone willing to listen. Being persistent has left my name as an indelible mark on those involved since 1968. So to answer your question, "What indication do you have from the VA that this claim is pending?" - - - I knoooooow.... Mitch

Thank you as well my friend. I appreciate the support. I am in Florida, and it has amazed me that so much more has progressed in my case since I moved here. Much more so than when I was in Indiana. Luckily, I have a great Senator on my side who is personally taking my case under advisement. I'm hoping for good things. Not just for myself, but for all the seasoned Vets who have served and fought valiantly for this great country. Mitch

Hello Everyone, I'm new to the forum. I just wanted to share my story with you. In 1968, I joined the Marine Corps to pay for my college. I didn’t pay attention to Walter Cronkite because the year I joined was the hottest year of the war, as battled raged and Tet Offensive was launched. I operated in the most heavily sprayed areas of Vietnam, and so the toxic Agent Orange took a toll on so many of us. I went from a hospital in Vietnam to Yokosuka Naval Hospital in Japan to be treated for various wounds. My Navy doctor prescribed medicines and treated me for Agent Orange problems. After rotating out of service in September 69, I was given many drugs to combat the Agent Orange in my system, due to drinking the water and the many sprays to assist us as we cut through the thick jungles of Vietnam. We had no idea that Agent Orange was not only killing the foliage, but killing us as well. My Agent Orange problems continued to flare up, so I decided to take all my medications prescribed for me by my doctor at Yokosuka Naval Hospital. I went to the VA Outpatient Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana to get my prescriptions refilled. I handed the VA staff my prescriptions and their response astounded me. According to their records, I was never treated for any Agent Orange problems! I was told there were no records of my ever being treated. I informed them that it was a mistake, and asked them to contact my doctor in Yokosuka. I also asked them to explain why my name was on the prescriptions and bottles if I had never been treated. I was rebuffed. I became hostile and was physically thrown out of the VA Hospital by security. This was a nightmare! I served my country with dignity, was injured twice in combat and now when I needed help, I was totally denied. I said to myself that this fight was not over. I currently have a 37 year-old retroactive case called a “CUE” – a clear and unmistakable error - that goes back to being denied basic treatment and medications at the time of my affliction. In 1994, I was awarded 100% disability (permanent status) and 100% Social Security. My CUE case is still unresolved, but I'm holding out hope (and fighting every day) that it will be resolved soon, My son-in-law and I have created a website to do a little more than talk about problems Vets face, and I'd like to invite you all there. It's called GlobalVetConnect.com....think MySpace/FaceBook/Craigslist for the Vet. I appreciate you letting me share my story with you all. Semper Fi Mitch