If you meet this requirement, you do not need to prove actual exposure to Agent Orange to receive compensation for an illness that is caused by Agent Orange exposure. She enjoyed practicing land use and environmental law for several years after law school but felt called to serve our veteran population and changed her practice area to veterans disability law. Cantonment area at Ubon RTAFB, Udorn Thailand area including Because of dense vegetation, the enemy was able to access the KC-135 parking ramp on Korat during the 1972 war, so it was regarded as a serious problem. On February 5, 1973, an EC-47Q electronic warfare collection aircraft tail number 43-48636, These cookies collect information about how you use our website. With the passage of the Agent Orange Act of 1991, the VA acknowledged that Vietnam War veterans were exposed to Agent Orange. During the period from October 12 to December 20, 1965, and from July 1966 to August 15, 1973, the United States conducted air defense missions in Southeast Asia. Replacement Training Center of Royal Thai Army near Pranburi from 1964 to 1965, Laos from December 1965 to 1967 (spraying operations), Loquillo, Puerto Rico in April and October 1966 (testing), Kauai, Hawaii in 1967 and February 1968 (testing), Las Marias, Puerto Rico from February to December 1967 (testing), Apaloachicola National Forest near Sophoppy, Florida in May 1967 (testing), Base Gagetown, near Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada in June 1957 (testing), Fort Gordon, Georgia in July 1967 (testing), The Southeastern part of Kompong Cham Province and Dar and Prek Clong plantations, Cambodia in June 1969, Pooles Island, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland in July 1969 (testing), Gulfport, Mississippi 1968 to 1970 (Agent Orange storage area), Johnston Island from April 1972 to September 1977 (Agent Orange storage area). These missions were classified, but they show a directional relationship between the U.S. military in Thailand and the Operation Ranch Hand program. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Being stationed in Call Cuddigan Law to get help with your VA disability application or appeal today. Following this, Agent Orange was again tested from 1967 to 1968 in Kauai, HI. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Sen. Sherrod Brown supports theThailand Veterans Toxic Exposure Act, a version of which was included in the Senate Veterans Affairs Committees toxic exposure bill reported out of committee in May. Storage and Maintenance, Missle Maintenance Shop at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Defoiliated These bases include: Ubon, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, Don Muang, U-Tapao, and Nakhom Phanom. VA keeps moving the goalposts regarding how and when it will concede exposure to Agent Orange for veterans who, For the past several years, the VA has acknowledged that veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam (including brown water veterans who served on the countrys inland waterways) were, Agent Orange Exposure and C-123 Aircraft U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed that eligible Vietnam War veterans are presumed to have experienced Agent Orange herbicide exposure between January 9,. Air Force or Army service at Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, or Army service at some small Army installations in Thailand, between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. diJe~wwlvxd%NNZOvbw.U1?@K!hW eS)Q6UTY-_iYqYr^:ps%5||*H o%=TO|~P/suK^V>OO ; xMv.)yJbO d,a+pMmIWIoA5dStD+H$^PEaeMC hI{R0Y@#R5K.t perimeter near the Weapons Storage and Maintenance facility at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Munitions The bill was last referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in June. WebAir Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. Veterans who served in Vietnam were given the presumption of exposure under a law passed by Congress. /X!`h8 p'Dwa.6jl(".l']qG":N"|{uM/ /;Cplh8;F>qy=P)5*!TIR=\.Cn V}9gp3:(gZ5xeB*gI Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base is a military installation located in the city of Ubon Ratchathani, in northeastern Thailand. While you focus on taking care of yourself, let us take care of the claim process and secure the disability benefits you deserve. The VAs distinction between tactical and commercial herbicide use is irrelevant to federal law or regulations. Overall, this research involved field tests of different mixtures and formulations of the herbicides produced by chemical industries. Agent Orange in Thailand Several reports show that Agent Orange and other herbicides were used and stored on numerous Royal Thai Air Force Bases (RTAFB) during the Vietnam War. She was a member of the University of Florida Law Review and published a case note on the Florida Privacy Amendment. The veterans benefits attorneys at the Berry Law Firm have helped many veterans who served outside of Vietnam receive benefits for exposure to Agent Orange. December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969, or; Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province Together, we must take action to save lives. Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961, and Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. Lets take a look at the process of filing online VA compensation claims through your eBenefits account. by Sappers at U-Tapao RTAFB, Return to the Batcat Veterans Benefit homepage. According to Mr. Hogstads statement, herbicide use throughout Southeast Asia is also possible during the Vietnam War. area at Ubon RTAFB, Map of the Munitions The National Archives only preserved two percent of military records, and herbicide records were not considered important. Ubon Vietnam was not the only area where herbicides were used, stored, or tested. Several bills in Congress purport to take aim at the problem. B-52 Ramp and Asset Perimeter Wires at U-Tapao RTAFB, Map 9 - driving Red line shows the Nakhon Pahnom RTAFB base perimeter, while the blue line shows the full 500 meter herbicide/Agent Orange drift zone as defined in U.S. Army This information is not a substitute for legal advice. The first two or three gallons of herbicide were discovered to be leaking from empty herbicide barrels, and the last two or three gallons were discovered to be difficult to drain. The Rules established a number of restrictions on the use of herbicides in Southeast Asia. This case involves a BVA decision that an Army veteran's MOS as a light infantryman did not support his 553rd Reconnaissance Wing Batcat Veterans Benefit, is Preparation area showing a perimeter guard tower at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Defoiliated including the Herbicide/Agent Orange Drift Zone, Map of the Munitions Thus, the VA assumes your disability resulted from your military service, and you dont have to provide proof or an evidential link between the incident and your disease. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. ! To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. Some veterans will have an easier time establishing their exposure to herbicides than others. If a veterans military occupation required him to patrol the perimeter of one of these basesdog handlers or military policeand his service records establish this fact, then VA is going to be much more willing to acknowledge that veterans exposure to herbicides. But this doesnt mean that other veterans cannot also prove such exposure. The herbicides were in the very air, he believes. Takhli held an annual training event between March 17 and 21, 1969, and July 13 to 16, 1970, respectively. We can help you develop your veterans benefits claims for service connection and veterans benefits compensation. In October 2020, the VA denied Xenia resident and Thailand veteran Paul Skinner compensation for what Skinner believed was Agent Orange exposure, with the VA informing Skinner in a letter: Your personnel records still fail to show that during your duties you were exposed to Agent Orange or tactical herbicides while performing daily duty assignments at Udom (Royal Thai Air Force Base).. While attending law school, she worked as a teaching assistant for legal writing classes. The Thai government has acknowledged the health risks associated with the use of Agent Orange, and has provided compensation to those affected. Proving Agent Orange Exposure for Veterans Who Served in Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base I will continue the fight to get benefits for all veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals regardless of where they served.. U.S. Army Veteranswho provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between Unveiling The Mystery Of CA: Understand Chromatic Aberration And Get The Best View Through Your Binoculars, Exploring Nature With 8 X 32 Binoculars Understanding The Power Of Magnification, Make Outdoor Watching Easier: Discover Why You Should Use A Camera Tripod For Your Binoculars, How To Mount Leica Trinovid Binoculars To A Tripod: A Step-By-Step Guide, Unlock The Power Of Binoculars In Pokemon Learn Where To Find And How To Use Them, Maximizing Your Binoculars Performance: The Importance Of Using Eyecups, Exploring The Phenomenon Of Ghosting In Binoculars What You Need To Know Before Shopping For A Pair, Bring Your Binoculars To The French Open Everything You Need To Know. Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base (Udorn RTAFB) is a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base, the home of 23rd Wing Air Command. He said he worked in areas close to base fencelines and perimeters, sometimes chaining down jets to run the engines, which would actually kick up dust and dirt everywhere around the aircraft.. of the Cantonment area of Don Muang RTAFB, further details of the of the Cantonment area of Don Muang RTAFB, details of the of the Cantonment area of Don Muang RTAFB in PDF format, of Don Muang RTAFB All substantial, physical remains of the substance may have been destroyed, but the terrible legacy of Agent Orange use is still seen in the physical disabilities of those in Vietnam and our US veterans. Design a site like this with WordPress.com, best map of the base layout at Ubon RTAFB, Citation Nr: 0714102 Decision Date: 05/11/07 Archive Date: 05/25/07 DOCKET NO. Thailand To view this webinar CLICK HERE. When evaluating the effectiveness of herbicide mixtures, Agent Orange was used as the standard. They were relocated to Clark Air Base in the Philippines in April 1972, after a three-month stay in Singapore. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Agent Orange Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base - Wikipedia Thailand Military Bases and Agent Orange Exposure The VAs requirement that Thailand veterans prove their military service and experience working on the perimeter was excessive. This is the best map of the base layout at Ubon RTAFB I can find. WebU.S. Once exposure to Agent Orange has been proven, service connection will be presumed for illnesses that are listed by the VA as being associated with Agent Orange exposure. The use of Agent Orange at Ubon Air Force Base has been linked to a number of health problems in both veterans and civilians. Learn more about benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. An aerial application of the herbicide was completed and data was recorded. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. Weband evacuation missions. Military personnel were able to obtain undiluted versions of 2,4,5-T, which contained even higher levels of TCDD than Agent Orange. Or is it 500 feet? Proving Agent Orange Exposure for Veterans Who Served in Thailand U.S. military bases in Thailand were some of the first bases established in the Vietnam War theater of operations, and the veterans who served on those bases were just as Nicholas Simpson, Attorney Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base The Mig- Killers were the nickname given to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. %PDF-1.5 By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Orders placed prior to the date of shipment will be delivered as soon as possible. With facilities in Cambodia, India, Korea, Laos, Thailand, Puerto Rico, Canada, as well as at sea, Agent Orange was stored at many overseas locationas well as used for testing purposesup until 1970. As a result of the agreements, American military operations in North and South Vietnam were officially halted. The 435th Tactical Airlift Wing: A History Of The Vietnam Wars The BARON 52 crew was finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, in December 1995 in a communal grave in Section 34, Site number 4402. Veterans who served in Thailand have long contended they face a higher bar in winning Veterans Administration (VA) disability benefits claims, having to clearly demonstrate they were exposed to Agent Orange or other harmful herbicides while their fellow veterans enjoy a presumption that they were exposed. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 In December of 1966, Fort Detrick personnel conducted field tests of Agent Orange in Hilo, HI in order to evaluate variables such as rates, volume of application, season, and vegetation. WebBrigadier General Robert Olds, U.S. Army Air Corps, circa 1942. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Don Muang RTAFB - Bangkok International Airport (Vietnam era), Official Department of the Air Force Map There were 44 trucks destroyed in Laos by the 16th Special Operations Group (SOG) in 2016, accounting for 44 percent of all trucks destroyed there. The chemicals were applied in highly concentrated solutions using a micro-sprayer. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Unlike veterans who served in Vietnam and certain areas of Korea, veterans who served in Thailand are not entitled by law to a presumption of exposure to tactical herbicides, the spokeswoman said. Lets be real, this was 60 years ago, Trone said. Select personnel would receive a copy of their own herbicide manual. As one of a group of chemicals referred to as the rainbow herbicides, Agent Orange served as the most well-known defoliant used in the Vietnam War. If youre a veteran who served perimeter duty on a U.S. Army installation in Thailand or on Royal Thai Air Force bases in Thailand, including U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, or Don Muang;and you have a medical condition you believe is linked to Agent Orange exposure, contact Cuddigan Law. The easiest way to prove this in-service event is with your service records and medical records, if the event is documented. The objective of this research was to prepare mixtures of various herbicides in the form of pellets, and to test them on variations types of vegetation. WebUbon Royal Thai Air Force Base is a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) facility located near the city of Ubon Ratchathani, in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The wing flew missions in support of the U.S. military forces in Vietnam and Laos. The base is home to the Royal Thai Air Forces 1st Air Division, and is also used by the United States Air Force (USAF). The federal government sprayed several places with Agent Orange, including Korea. DOD has confirmed that Agent Orange was also stored or sprayed in the following areas: It has also been alleged that Agent Orange was present in the Panama Canal Zone from the 60s to the early 70s and in Guam from the mid 50s through the 60s. WebAgent Orange is a highly toxic, deadly chemical that is a known carcinogen. But proving it isnt always possible, others say. While Agent Orange was burned at sea after the war, another rainbow herbicide of the Vietnam War era called Agent Blue, could not be burned disposed of via incineration due to its high concentration of arsenic. 800-829-4833, Veterans Crisis Line: Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Map of the Flight Line, perimeter Currently, Skinner hopes to make a case before a VA judge in perhaps a year, maybe longer. The DOD has identified the following units that served along the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) that were exposed to Agent Orange between April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971: While the above units have been specifically identified as having served in the Korean DMZ between April 1, 1968 and August 31, 1971, if you served in and around the Korean DMZ outside of this time period and have evidence that you were exposed to Agent Orange during your service in Korea, you may still qualify for compensation benefits for Agent-Orange related disabilities. BOARD OF VETERANSAPPEALS Thailand veterans harmed by Agent Orange hope Everyone that was on the bases would have been in the spray zone for the herbicides, Flodder said. The US used C-123 aircraft to spray the herbicides over the forests of Vietnam during Operation Ranch Hand. Veterans Court vacates BVA decision denying veteran was exposed to Agent Orange while stationed at a Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in 1962. Here, a short-term evaluation was orchestrated by personnel from Fort Detricks Plant Science Lab in coordination with contract research completed by the United States Department of Agriculture and University of Hawaii sites. These diseases, which were placed on a list for "presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange," include Parkinsons disease, Hodgkins disease, Ischemic heart disease, AL amyloidosis, chronic B-cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, and early-onset peripheral neuropathy. Moving target radars, a low-light television set, and an infrared camera were all part of the B-57G. Harmon said his sense is that once attorneys are involved, claims from veterans who served in Thailand can be settled in as quickly as six months. This same presumption exists for those who served in the Korean demilitarized zone between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971. Webacknowledges the use of tactical herbicides (Agent Orange) on Thai Royal Air Force Bases and Thai Army Bases. My sense is these bills have a chance, but I just dont know how good a chance, attorney Chisholm said. Agent Orange and Blue were present in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Korat RTAFB detailing areas of the base near the perimeter, Map showing the location of Camp Friendship, Map showing the Cantonment area of Camp Friendship, Map of the Flight Line at Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Bob was trying to get that letter rescinded at the time he died.. have hearing loss. WebThese are the major bases the USAF operated from in Thailand: Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base, 19611970 Major USAF Unit: 631st Combat Support Group, 19621970 Sen. That presumption has been expanded to blue-water Navy veterans. Rob Portman is listed as a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 657, which would modify the presumption of a service connection for veterans who were exposed to herbicides while serving in Thailand. Munitions Storage area at Ubon RTAFB, Annotated Photo of the Weapon If you have a better base map, please let me know. Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base is a military installation of the Royal Thai Air Force. If military police conducted foot patrols at the perimeter, the situation would have been completely exposed. <> Several reports show that Agent Orange and other herbicides were used and stored on numerous Royal Thai Air Force Bases (RTAFB) during the Vietnam War. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. What did VA Cover Up in Thailand Agent Orange Data Release? Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. All rights reserved. Testing of 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D and other herbicides in Puerto Rico. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Skinner, who has fought prostate cancer since 2018, has gone through 44 treatments of radiation therapy. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, ischemic heart disease, Hodgkins disease, prostate or respiratory cancer, Parkinsons Disease), it is worth filing a claim for VA benefits, Webinar: Agent Orange and Thailand Veterans. VA Disability Rating for Agent Orange & List of Presumptive The air force is responsible for the defense of Thai airspace and for providing air support to the Thai Army and Navy. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 WebThis group is dedicated to the brotherhood of those who served at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base,Thailand during the Vietnam War. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Puerto Rico was also home to the storage and testing of Agent Orange from 1956 to 1957, and then again from 1966 to 1968. The first raid, a mortar bombardment, reportedly took place Sunday night at Ubon air base in eastern Thailand. 1. Royal Thai Air Force Base perimeters during the Vietnam Era, the VA Udorn and Ubon, Thailand in 1963 during a training exercise at JT116 FTX. The information you obtain on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. When the VA implemented FL 09-20 in 2009, it had no policy on herbicide exposure around Thailand base perimeters. Were going to try to right a wrong, Trone said. You have to prove it.. Korat RTAFB, Brett Watterson sent me this map of Korat RTAFB which he highlighted the full perimeter, Official Department of the Air Force Map According to historical accounts, a squadron in 1971 began spraying herbicide on troublesome plants. details of the RTAFB side of the field, details Those who were exposed to Agent Orange outside of Vietnam or Korea must provide evidence that they were actually exposed to the herbicide. Many veterans like Dan Tolly of Tampa who served on those Thai bases are sick. Subsequently in 1967 the Dow Chemical Company, a manufacturer of Agent Orange, was awarded a Department of Defense research contract. Agent Orange Exposure in Thailand | Cuddigan Law In addition to being part of combat search and rescue missions in southern Laos and Cambodia, two A-1 Skyraiders from the 1st Special Operations Squadron were stationed at Ubon. Some tenants provided Air Traffic Control services to the Ubon tower, which was owned by others. detailed annotations, Map of the Southwest section of U-Tapao RTAFB, Map 5 - B-52 Ramp, NE Quadrant U-Tapao RTAFB with Some have won on appeal.. If you believe you were exposed to Agent Orange in service, are suffering from one or more of the associated health conditions, and have been denied VA disability benefits, seek help now. Even those who were exposed to herbicide agents under VA policy were denied benefits in the past. I guess the VA doesnt believe the wind blows, Skinner said. He did so much research on this letter (the Aug. 2015 memo)., These men are now in many cases in their 80s, Trone said. The435th TAW was the first Air Force tactical air unit to be based in Thailand. Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Thailand provided air and ground bases to the United States, and soon became the largest station of the United States Air Force in Southeast Asia, with air bases at Don Muang RTAFB, Thailand, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, Ramasun Station, Thailand, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, U-Tapao RTAFB, Thailand, Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, Korat RTAFB, Thailand, and Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand. In addition to being storage areas for Agent Orange, herbicides were used on these Air Force bases to control vegetation along the perimeter of the bases in order to improve visual observation of the perimeter. yet assertive representation for our clients. The 435th Tactical Airlift Wing (TAW) was the unit that operated C-130s from Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War. VA Notice of Disagreement (NOD) Delaying VA Claim Decision But not to veterans in Thailand at least, not yet. They (the VA) will grant it, (or) theyll grant it partially, (or) theyll deny it, which is probably about 80 to 90% of the Thailand veterans, they have been denied. Is it two feet from the perimeter? Agent Orange and other Herbicides Stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Rules for Disability Compensation Related to Agent Orange Exposure, CCK Court Wins: Agent Orange & Gulf War Illness. Millions are suffering from mental illness, exacerbated by the pandemic. A solution by Congress may be the best approach, some attorneys and veterans advocates say. Some evidence suggests that airmen working around the perimeter were exposed to herbicide while constructing the perimeter. Present and Future Facilities at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB 30 June 1968, Department of the Air Force Master Base Plan Map