VA study shows parasite from Vietnam may be killing vets

[porgee]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/healthtrending/va-study-shows-parasite-from-vietnam-may-be-killing-vets/ar-BBFst1l?li=BBnb7Kz

[Berta]

Thanks for posting that link.

I just got this from a Blue Water Navy advocate

http://www.heraldstandard.com/news/national/va-study-shows-parasite-from-vietnam-may-be-killing-vets/article_64734bb9-f520-5ca5-9d13-0db648767db9.html

same info-

I went to the BVA and searched under Vietnam service and 

cholangiocarcinoma- probably all were denied.

I am glad  Cashour said VA is taking this seriously but this is a fatal disease so I also hope the VA does not take a lot of time...too many vets have died already from this.

[Berta]

forgot to add- there were 123 decisions on this disease at the BVA web site- regarding Vietnam vets and the Herald article says many were denied (probably at the RO level and they didnt appeal)

Some did get awards:

"Veteran Mike Baughman, 65, who was featured in the previous AP article, said his claim was granted early this year after being denied three times. He said the approval came right after his doctor wrote a letter saying his bile duct cancer was "more likely than not" caused by liver flukes from the uncooked fish he and his unit in Vietnam ate when they ran out of rations in the jungle. He now gets about $3,100 a month and says he's relieved to know his wife will continue to receive benefits after he dies. But he remains angry that other veterans' last days are consumed by fighting the same government they went to war for as young men."

(source- above Herald Standard article)