This ongoing struggle for full reconciliation and justice by retired Major Carter, does indeed seem to have merit. Until informed to the contrary by readers and/or other officials, I will continue to put this forth to cyberspace for the test of truth. Having been affected by Agent Orange myself, and knowing how long this battle has lingered for many, I am a bit sympathetic to the cause. Feel free dear readers to correct or refute Major Carter’s claims.
Today, an informed, expert opinion was published from yet another eminent scientist with an international reputation in Agent Orange issues. Dr. Dwernychuk firmly endorsed the opinions of Drs. Sinks, Berman, Goeppner and Stellman. These experts together have weighed in against the VA’s dismissal of C-123 aircrew exposure concerns, insisting that the airplanes left us exposed to dioxin. Along with the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America, these scientists are our A Team as we approach the VA.
Strategy: our approach has many facets. First, we are trying to get the first of our veteran’s claims approved, and then use it to help justify subsequent applications and appeals. Second, we seek the leadership from American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America in arranging a sit-down with Secretary Shinseki to ask him to use his authority to do what’s right…designate C-123 veterans to be presumptively exposed to Agent Orange. Chipping in here will be the Third Estate…Tom Philpott and others. Finally, because and new legislation could only come about long after we’re pushing up daisies, we need our legislators, the public and other veterans to help us advance claims by precedent-establishing court rulings (that means a three-judge BVA decision rather than single judge.)
The VA opinion Dr. Wayne Dwernychuk discusses is my own (attached)! On September 25 my own application for Agent Orange exposure benefits was turned down by the VA’s director of Compensation Services, Mr. Tom Murphy himself. That gentleman has maintained since our struggle began that C-123 veterans will not receive Agent Orange benefits…and he’s showing how determined he and the VA are to prevent our access to medical care.
Our veterans’ effort will continue to present scientific experts who oppose the VA’s position, written by Dr. T. Irons who started working for the VA last year after receiving a PhD…putting a background in fish toxicology to good use helping the VA deny C-123 veterans our Agent Orange benefits.
Cheers!
Wes Carter, Chair, C-123 Veterans Association
Mission Statement:VA Recognition ofAgent Orange Exposure by C-123 Veterans
Email: rustysilverwings@gmail.com
Web: C123KCANCER.BLOGSPOT.COM
wwww.c123cancer.org
