Veterans who served at Fort Ord in California are facing health issues such as cancer due to exposure to Agent Orange, but are not receiving support from the VA. Despite clear evidence of contamination, Fort Ord is not officially recognized by the VA for Agent Orange-related compensation. This has caused frustration among affected veterans, who feel overlooked and unsupported.
The VA has proposed benefits for exposure to Agent Orange at other military bases, but Fort Ord is not included in these benefits. This exclusion has left many veterans feeling abandoned and neglected by the system. The quote from lawyer Gerson Smoger emphasizes the severity of the situation, highlighting the danger of TCDD, the toxic chemical found in Agent Orange.
The significance of this issue lies in the long-lasting effects of Agent Orange on human health and the environment. The herbicide contains dioxin, a highly toxic compound that can lead to a range of serious health conditions, including cancer, neurological, and respiratory disorders. While the VA has recognized and provided benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, those who served stateside, like the veterans at Fort Ord, are struggling to receive the support they need.
Hannah Norman and Patricia Kime reporting for The Daily Montanan have shed light on this issue by highlighting the struggles faced by these veterans. They spoke with several affected individuals who shared their stories of how their lives have been impacted by their exposure to Agent Orange.
One veteran shared how he had been diagnosed with liver cancer after serving at Fort Ord in California during Operation Desert Storm. He said that despite his diagnosis being linked to his service at Fort Ord, he was still denied benefits from the VA.
Another veteran spoke about how she had experienced respiratory problems since leaving Fort Ord more than 20 years ago. She said that despite her symptoms being linked to her exposure to Agent Orange at Fort Ord, she was still denied benefits from the VA.
These stories illustrate just how frustrating it can be for veterans who served at Fort Ord and were exposed to Agent Orange. They feel like they have been forgotten by a system that should be supporting them instead.
It is important for Congress and military officials to take action on this issue and provide adequate support for these affected veterans. It is time for Fort Ord to be officially recognized as an area where veterans were exposed to Agent Orange so that they can receive compensation for their injuries.
