AO/AB/AW-WHERE IS IT NOW

Posted on August 24, 2013 by asknod

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Here’s the latest definitive list on where Westmorland sprayed or dumped the fertilizer during the war. In addition, the list includes polluted American base sites. Hope this helps some of you figure out why you never went to Vietnam and still have all the symptoms of the exposure.

I must add that there should be a few more on here from Laos. LS-85, Phu Pha Thi, which was overrun by the NVA in 1968, was absolutely drenched with Blue and Orange to decimate the foliage over the years. L-22 Xiang Khouang and L-108 Muoung  Soui  were, too. LS-20 A (alternate) and LS-20 Ban Sam Thong were hosed extensively as well by the Meo (Hmong) kids with bleach bottle scoops to spread it. Air Am utilized a PC-6 Porter to spray a few poppy fields to pacify the American Press and media. Most were in areas held by Neutralists or Pathet Lao up near Sam Neua.

Courtesy of Dr. Ron R. in Arizona; good, basic information for those not familiar with the problems faced by Vietnam veterans and their families since 1961:

 

US Military Bases Known To Be Contaminated

The following 59 U.S. military bases were suffering from significant water or soil contamination a year ago, according to the Department of Defense’s interpretation of its latest hazardous waste survey. DoD officials say not every base suffering such contamination is on the list, because information was not available for all bases. The list is based on the latest status report for DoD’s Installation Restoration Program.The IRP report contains no explanation of the problems at each base, so we asked each service to provide details. The Army did so. The Navy Chief of Information refused to help us gather the information. Air Force Public Affairs could not provide the information by our deadline, but we will publish it as soon as it becomes available. We gathered information on some of these missing bases from EPA and a DoD report to Congress on “Superfund” sites. LIFE IN THE TIMES cannot vouch for the accuracy or completeness of the information that was provided.

Army

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Essentially every land portion of the Edgewood, MD, area (on which a portion of the base is located) Is contaminated or potentially contaminated. Monitoring in 1977-78 indicated contamination of surface and ground water. Four standby wells were shut down in 1983 due to detected organic compounds. The base’s active drinking water supplies come from two off-post sources. Deer Creek and Winters Run, unaffected by contamination on base.

Fort A.P. Hill, VA

There are three problems. A herbicide contaminated the soil near an old pesticide storage building. The soil has been placed in sealed drums. Second, herbicide and dioxin Contaminated soil and debris are stored at a base warehouse in 33-gallon drums inside sealed 55-gallon drums. A study will be done to recommend an environmentally sound method of permanent disposal. Third, the base plans to remove some 70 tons of soil contaminated by DDT. The base water comes from a deep aquifer and is not contaminated, the Army says.

Fort Belvoir, VA

Several contaminants – benzene, trichloroethylene, chloroform, toluene, ethylbenzene, and 1-2-dichloroethane – have seeped from the Building 324 tank farm into an unnamed creek. None of these contaminants was detected in surface water at the installation boundary, and no health hazard is apparent, the Army, says. Post drinking water comes from the Fairfax County Water Authority.

Fort Devens, MA

A sanitary landfill that is a potential source of contamination is being closed. It was used as an open burning site, then for incineration of waste and burial of residues. Water quality meets state standards.

Fort Dix, NJ

Nine potentially contaminated sites are known. One, the sanitary landfill, was placed on the National Priority (Superfund) List due to the presence of organic solvents. However, the Army says no significant health hazards have been identified. To avoid any risk, the landfill may be capped with clean soil and vegetated with grass. The other eight sites were identified only recently. Organic solvents and/or petroleum products were located at an old magazine area, a tank farm, a fire station, the golf course, a motor pool, a firing range, a pesticide storage building, and a National Guard facility. Investigation is under way to determine any problems. The sites to not endanger the base water supply according to the Army.

Fort Lewis, WA

There are two problems: One, is Landfill No. 5. Plans call for a landfill liner and leachate collection to preclude ground water contamination. There are also plans for a refuse-fired incinerator to reduce reliance in the landfill. Also trichloroethylene (TCE) has been found in the ground water beneath the Logistics Center. Post drinking water comes from a spring unrelated to that aquifer.

Fort McClellan, AL

Ten old training areas and three former disposal sites have a slight chance of subsurface contamination from mustard agent and its breakdown products and possible byproducts of chemical agent decontamination. Only very small quantities of agent were used and all sites have been closed, decontaminated and fenced. No evidence of any surface or surface water contamination has been found in the past, the Army says. The post receives its water from the city of Anniston.

Redstone Arsenal, AL

A $30 million cleanup was recently completed by Olin Corp, which made DDT in a leased factory that was closed in 1970 for environmental reasons. Manufacturing waste was contaminating soils and streams. DDT was found in the wildlife food chain but not in potable water supplies inside or outside the base. In addition, the presence of PCBs. heavy metals, while phosphorous and other organic compounds is known or suspected. An investigation is under way to determine if they contaminated the active sanitary landfill, a DDT waste landfill, open burning and detonation grounds, and 22 old disposal sites. Also, a $5 million program is in progress to remove all asbestos from post buildings.

Navy

Brunswick NAS, ME

A study is under way to determine contaminants and their migration habits.

 Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Center, NJ

 Soil and shallow ground water at the tetraethyl lead disposal site are contaminated, perhaps from aviation fuel. The ground water in some areas is covered with a 6-inch layer of JP-Fuel. Elsewhere, the carcinogen nitrsomine may be present. Waste oils, battery acid, and solvents are suspected of having been discharged into some dry wells. The soil stabilization field test received 362 gallons of aniline and 161 of furfural (toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption), and ferric chloride solution; personnel and animals that come in contact with the soil may be endangered. A landfill received thousands of gallons of hydraulic fluids, five tons of asbestos, and also cutting oils, solvents, sludge. and heavy metals. A site for PCB testing and storage is near the environmentally sensitive Ridgeway Branch. The western portion of the base may be contaminated by ordnance: shells, gas-loaded projectiles, phosgene, phosphorus, mustard agent, explosives, flares, and depth bombs. The shallow aquifer in this area may also be contaminated.

Moffett Field NAS, CA

 The major contaminants in the ground water are volatile organic compounds.

 Whidbey Island NAS, WA

 The ground water could be contaminated. Waste oil, solvents, fuel, and caustic rinse water containing heavy metals have been discharged through the storm sewer system and into Dugella Bay. Waterfowl and fish that feed or live in drainage’s may be affected. Subsurface migration at the seaplane base may have affected fish or shellfish in Oak and Crescent Harbors. A backup well at Ault Field is threatened by potential migration of contaminants.

 Other Navy bases:

 China Lake, CA

 Indian Head NOS, MD

 Jacksonville NAS, FL

 Miramar NAS, CA

 Pabmont River NAS, MD

 Roosevelt Roads NS, Puerto Rico

  Air Force

 Castle AFB, CA

 On-base drinking water supply has been contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE). Work is under way to install a new well drawing from a deeper, uncontaminated aquifer.

Dover AFB, DE

 Ground on the is contaminated with arsenic and other metals, and a stream on base is contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE). The base well, however, is free of these contaminants. Remedial action has been under way since 1985.

 Griffiss AFB, NY

 Phenols, ethyl benzene, and benzene have been detected in ground water on base, and toluene in surface water on base.

 Hill AFB, UT

 Seepage water near two disposal areas contains toxic organic chemicals, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), 1-2 dichloroethane, and 1,1,1 trichlorethane. None of the affected water is used for human consumption. Remedial action to date includes construction of a slurry wall and landfill covers as well as pumping and treating contaminated ground water.

 Mather AFB, CA

 Water in 36 homes was affected by trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination of a well on base. A new permanent water supply is to be provided to these homes.

 McChord AFB, WA

 Various chemicals — methylene chloride, chloroform, benzene, arsenic, chromium, and mercury — have been detected in test wells and in surface drainage leaving the base. One site is a liquid waste spill next to the wash rack and industrial waste treatment system. Contracted work for the American Lake Gardens Water Supply Project began in 1985; a contractor installed shallow wells and one deep well.

 McClellan AFB, CA

 An estimated 160 sites have been identified. Contaminants include organic compounds, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), methylene chloride, and 1-1 dichlorethylene. Wells both on and off base that had contaminants exceeding government standards have been shut down. McClellan is considered a leader in cleanup efforts. Completed projects include alternate water supply for off base residents and a ground water containment system and treatment plant.

 Norton AFB, CA

 Trichloroethylene (TCE) was detected in concentrations exceeding state drinking water standards. All base wells were contaminated to various degrees with silver and tetrachlorethylene (PCE). Closure of a lagoon and sludge removal was begun several years ago.

 Robins AFB, GA

 Contaminants include halogenated solvents, heavy metals, pesticides (DDT, chlordane, etc.), cyanide, and oil products. The toxic organic compounds trichloroethylene (TCE), and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) have been detected in ground water on base. Ground water is not used as drinking water, but the contaminants could eventually appear in surface water.

 Tinker AFB, OK

 Some base wells were closed due to contamination from chlorinated solvents. Chlorinated solvents were also detected in the aquifer that is the primary water source in the region. Organic compounds have been detected at all sites, though migration is limited. Remedial action begun in 1984, includes capping landfill No. 6, and stopping leaks from underground storage tanks at the fuel farm.

 Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

 Fourteen organic compounds, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in relatively high quantities have been found in wells serving the base. Nearly half the 17 wells have been shut down due to contamination or age. An air stripper has been put on two wells to remove the organics, and installation of two other strippers is planned.

 Other Air Force bases:

 Beale AFB, CA

Chanute AFB, IL

Charleston AFB, SC

Columbus AFB, MS

Edwards AFB, CA

England AFB, LA

F.E. Warren AFB, WY

George AFB, CA

Hanscom AFB, MA

Hickam AFB, HI

Kelly AFB, TX

Lowery AFB, CO

Luke AFB, AZ

Kirtland AFB, NM

Langley AFB, VA

MacDill AFB, FL

McGuire AFB, NJ

Moody AFB, GA

Mountain Home AFB, ID

Otis AG Base, MA

Pope AFB, NC

Pease AFB, NH

Plattsburgh AFB, NY

Reese AFB, TX

Seymour Johnson AFB, NC

Shemya, AL

Travis AFB, CA

Vandenburg AFB, CA

Wurtsmith AFB, MI

Herbicides Used In Military Operations During The Vietnam War

 General use:

Herbicide, Borate-Bromacil mixture, 50-lb. bag

Herbicide, Bromacil, 80% powder, 50-lb. drum

Herbicide, Chlorate-Borate mixture, 50-lb. bag

Herbicide, Dacthal, 75% powder, 50-lb bag

Herbicide, Dalapon, 85% powder, 50-lb. drum

Herbicide, Dicamba, 49% solution, 1-gal. bottle

Herbicide, Diquat, 35.3% solution, 5-gal. drum

Herbicide, Diuron, 80% powder, 50-lb. drum

Herbicide, DSMA, 63% disodium methylarsonate, 100-lb. drum

Herbicide, Monuron, 80% powder, 50-lb. drum

Herbicide, Picloram + 2,4-D, 5-gal. drum

Herbicide, Picloram, 11.6% pellets, 50-lb. drum

Herbicide, Silvex, Low Volatile Ester, 4-lb/gal., 5-gal. drum

Herbicide, Simazinc, 80% powder, 5-lb. can

Herbicide, 2,4-D, Low Volatile Ester, 4-lb/gal., 5-gal. can

Herbicide, 2,4-D, Amine, 4-lb/gal., 5-gal. can

Herbicide, 2,4,5-T, Low Volatile Ester, 4-lb/gal., 55-gal. drum

Herbicide, 2,4,5-T, Low Volatile Ester, 4-lb/gal., 5-gal. pail

Tactical:

Herbicide, Cacodylic Acid (Blue), 55-gal. drum

 Herbicide, Picloram + 2,4-D, (White), 55-gal. drum

Herbicide, 2,4-D + 2,4,5-T, High Volatile ester (Orange), 55-gal. drum

 

 

Chemicals Used – Where They’ve Been Found

 I Corps – 2,355,322

 

Location                                Orange         White                Blue           Total Gallons

 

A Shau                              53,550               2,550               6,128                      62,228

 

An Hoa                              6,500               1,800             11,250                      19,550

 

Binh Hoa                          8,220                               0               1,600                        9,820

 

Cam Lo                          80,375               8,660             12,785                    101,820

 

Camp Carrol                78,200               5,400                      5,050                       88,650

 

Camp Eagle               14,250                              0                       0                      14,250

 

Camp Esso              53,410               5,600                       0                      64,510

 

Camp Evans               18,690                              0                   880                      19,570

 

Camp Henderson            68,155               7,040               4,800                      79,995

 

Chu Lai                           12,170               4,150               1,598                      17,918

 

Con Thien                       84,700             12,460                    10,925                    108,085

 

Da Nang, China Beach      13,800                       0               2,000                      15,800

 

Dong Ha                         54,385               5,060               9,935                      69,380

 

Duc Pho, LZ Bronco          46,225             14,400               1,175                      61,800

 

Firebase Jack             140,875             11,900               3,280                    156,055

 

Firebase Rakkassan     150,145             23,900               2,510                    176,555

 

Firebase West            15,405               3,690             18,480                      37,575

 

Hill 63                      20,500               3,200                       0                      23,700

 

Hill 69                    11,620               4,150               1,598                      17,368

 

Hoi An                     17,520               3,000             13,950                     34,470

 

Hue                         41,395                       0               5,070                     46,465

 

Khe Sanh,

Firebase Smith      43,705                3,040               4,300                     51,045

 

LangCo Bridge        50,610               5,600               3,500                     59,710

 

LZ Baldy               15,430              3 ,000              13,950                    32,380

 

LZ Dogpatch,

Hill 327                       4,490                      0                8,250                     12,740

 

LZ Geronimo            22,535            14,000                    468                     37,003

 

LZ Jane,

Firebase Barbara           91,150              6,750                 3,700                  101,600

 

LZ Langley,

Firebase Shepard    72,105              7,040                 4,800                     83,945

 

LZ Profess,

Hill 55                           39,300            13,000              17,209                    69,509

 

LZ Rockcrusher,

Hill 85                 47,800                      0                        0                     47,800

 

LZ Rockpile        110,050            15,440                 7,650                  133,140

 

LZ Ross                15,405             6,720                18,508                   40,633

 

LZ Sandra             118,780           20,210                24,755                 163,745

 

LZ Snapper,

Firebase Leather     11,350                     0                  3,000                   14,350

 

Marble,

Hill 59          15,405             6,720                18,508                   40,633

 

Phu Bai         54,300             3,000                      120                   57,420

 

Phu Luc,

LZ Tomahawk     78,250             4,000                          0                   82,250

 

Quang Nai         25,605                     0                  1,800                   27,405

 

Quang Tri,

LZ Nancy                       68,000             2,750                   3,700                   74,450

 

Total  – 2,355,322

 

II Corps – 1,054,406

 

Location                                Orange        White              Blue       Total Gallons

 

An Khe,

Camp Radcliff             37,810             6,400                   5,610                     49,820

 

An Lao,

LZ Laramie               68,970                490                  10,570                    80,030

 

Ban Me Thuot          16,000             9,250                            0                    25,250

 

Ben Het                     80,495             7,230                    3,000                    90,725

 

Bon Song,

LZ Two Bits              80,643                630                   6,000                     87,273

 

Bre Nhi                     6,600                     0                           0                       6,600

 

Cam Ranh Bay      21,227             1,373                           0                     22,600

 

Camp Granite       59,310              2,075                   5,390                     66,775

 

Che Oreo                0              1,800                           0                       1,800

 

Da Lat                  575                      0                           0                          575

 

Dak To               49,460                600                  34,800                    84,860

 

Firebase Pony     43,490                     0                    3,800                    47,290

 

Kontum              0                 415                           0                          415

 

LZ Dog,

LZ English      63,073                 630                    6,000                    69,703

 

LZ Oasis  No Data

 

LZ Putter,

Firebase Bird                50,095                      0                    7,200                    57,295

 

LZ Uplift                   43,455              3,220                       275                     46,950

 

Nha Trang              6,950                 325                            0                       7,275

 

Phan Rang             110              2,075                            0                       2,185

 

Phan Thiet            5,000                 330                       220                       5,550

 

Plei Ho,

SF Camp              15,300              1,260                       110                     16,670

 

Plei Jerang          98,220            51,235                   1,800                   151,255

 

Pleiku              1,210            11,640                   1,950                     14,800

 

Puh Cat,

LZ Hammond       29,700              7,210                           0                     36,910

 

Qui Nhon               53,215              1,800                   4,125                     59,140

 

Song Cau                5,650                   55                            0                       5,705

 

Tuy An                 13,215              3,740                            0                    16,955

 

Tuy Hoa               29,565              4,485                            0                     34,050

 

Total – 1,054,406

 

III Corps – 4,086,229

 

Location                                Orange        White               Blue         Total Gallons

 

An Loc                     77,000            79,830                           0                    156,830

 

Ben Cat                  87,250            83,640                 20,105                    190,995

 

Ben Hoa             35,045          124,525                   3,950                    163,520

 

Cholon             320                      0                           0                            320

 

Cu Chi             59,150             67,540                14,105                     140,795

 

Dau Tieng

(Michelin)         32,370             45,800                   3,800                       81,770

 

Dien Duc,

Firebase Elaine    66,850             25,800                           0                       92,350

 

Duc Hoa                750                       0                           0                            750

 

Firebase Di An         6,000                      0                   1,595                          7,595

 

Firebase Frenzel   13,445            57,560                      900                        71,905

 

Firebase Jewel,

LZ Snuffy          219,550           146,010                  7,300                      372,860

 

Firebase Mace     34,280            23,350                      730                        58,360

 

Katum                  299,420          239,395                20,000                      558,815

 

Lai Khe                   57,120            22,300                   1,800                        81,220

 

Loc Ninh                 46,660          103,710                   1,800                      152,170

 

Long Binh,

Firebase Concord     13,445            57,560                           0                        71,005

 

LZ Bearcat             17,840            75,470                           0                        93,310

 

LZ Fish Nook      44,000            23,800                           0                        67,800

 

LZ Schofield        38,640             17,210                   7,800                        63,650

 

Nha Be (Navy Base)  119,725          121,925                   6,000                      247,650

 

Nui Ba Den,

Firebase Caroline      50,020             66,500                   2,100                      118,620

 

Phouc Vinh                484,383           146,576                 12,810                      643,769

 

Phu Chong              39,848             62,230                 12,055                      114,130

 

Phu Loi             79,000             83,430                           0                      162,430

 

Qua Viet           50,610               5,600                   3,500                        59,710

 

Quan Loi        44,190             34,300                          0                        78,490

 

Saigon      No Data

 

Song Be       1,900               9,220                           0                        11,120

 

Tan Son Nhut         6,320                       0                   1,595                          7,915

 

Tay Ninh          720                3,225                      600                          4,545

 

Trang Bang         32,365             39,560                  6,000                        77,925

 

Vo Dat,

Firebase Nancy    14,180             29,100                          0                        43,280

 

Vung Tau          7,350                       0                          0                           7,350

 

Xuan Loc         23,865             58,750                      660                        83,275

 

Total – 4,086,229

 

IV Corps – 669,534

 

Location                                Orange        White               Blue        Total Gallons

 

Ben Luc                   45,900            14,838                           0                        60,738

 

Ben Tre                 24,800            24,750                           0                        49,550

 

Can Tho               15,160            13,915                 11,685                       40,760

 

Cao Lanh          1,875              2,935                       830                         5,640

 

Dong Tam        5,870                 605                       165                         6,640

 

Firebase Grand Can(yon?)     0              1,540                           0                          1,540

 

Firebase Moore         9,820                      0                           0                          9,820

 

Ham Long          3,275              1,620                           0                          4,895

 

Moc Hoa       12,400              6,590                           0                       18,990

 

My Tho      13,320               7,316                      965                        21,601

 

Nam Can   150,345            64,295                          0                      214,640

 

Phnom         0                 184                           0                             184

 

Phu Quoc    19,000                       0                          0                        19,000

 

Rach Gia     0               2,155                          0                          2,155

 

Seafloat        4,700                      0                           0                          4,700

 

Soc Trang         3,410              2,391                   1,280                           7,081

 

Tan An             89,550            36,450                          0                       126,000

 

Tieu Con       8,700                      0                           0                           8,700

 

Tra Vinh       9,885             8,000                           0                         17,885

 

Vinh Loi     30,010                     0                           0                         30,010

 

Vinh Long       8,360              9,755                      890                         19,005

 

Total – 669,534

 

Note: This does NOT include US Army helicopter or ground applications, or any form of the insecticide programs by GVN, or the US military. The amount represents gallons within eight (8) kilometers of the area. Thus, each area is 9.6 miles in diameter.

 

DescriptionTCDD (Dioxin) Amounts

Agent Orange 1.77 to 40 ppm

Agent Blue (Purple) 32.8 to 45 ppm

Agent (Pink) 65.6 ppm

Agent White (Green) 65.6 ppm

Silvex1 to 70 ppm

2,4,5-T (Current)0.1 ppm or less

        

 

Posted in AO | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

NEW INFO ON URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS=HCV

Posted on August 24, 2013 by asknod

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Here’s a great article submitted by Jules, member extraordinaire and volunteer nexus letter writer (he’s a Physician’s Assistant). We will never have too much medical (or legal) help doing this so it’s encouraging to see other Vets who have immersed themselves in the medical field come back to help their fellow Veterans attain service connection for what is unarguably one of the hardest to attain due to the cryptogenic nature of the infection. 

Jules writes:

Buckwheat- This is a very interesting paper I am considering using in a nexus. Found in the Journal of Urology November 2007 Vol. 178, pages 2181-2185. The connection between BPH, prostate cancer and chronic inflammation secondary to HCV, HBV bears further investigation.  Jules

Thank you, Jules- and all of you- who contribute to our cause. You are like ants bringing back pieces of information to the nest. Eventually we’ll have enough to assemble a credible defense for service connection for this insidious disease every time.

 

 

Posted in HCV Risks (documented) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

BROWNWATER JIM, I COPY

Posted on August 21, 2013 by asknod

This has nothing to do with Veterans other than Brownwater Jim, one of the heathens of the Mekong swamps, sent it to me. As it’s innocent in its nature I present it with expletive redacted to preserve my G rating here. 

Stuttering Cat – as explained by a Grade 4 student

A teacher is explaining biology to her 4th grade students. “Human beings are the only animals that stutter,” she says.

A little girl raises her hand. “I had a kitty-cat who stuttered.”

The teacher, knowing how precious some of these stories could become, asked the girl to describe the incident.

“Well,” she began, “I was in the back yard with my kitty and the Rottweiler that lives next door got a running start and before we knew it, he jumped over the fence into our yard!”

“That must’ve been scary,” said the teacher.

“It sure was,” said the little girl.

“My kitty raised her back, went ‘Ffffff!, Ffffff!, Fffffff,’ but before she could say ‘F–k!,’ the Rottweiler ate her!”

The teacher had to leave the room.

You realize this is the humor that transpires only among Vets because we are depraved, damaged by wars, irrational and not to be trusted. PC isn’t in our vocabulary.

Posted in Humor | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

CONCERNED VETERANS OF AMERICA DELIVERS PETITION

Posted on August 21, 2013 by asknod

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Absolutely great! The first VA Secretary in the history of VASECS finally begins to modernize VA by revamping antique procedures and they want to give him a Texas Necktie Party. Sometimes I wonder what passes for a feeble mind. This sent in by member Frank- (the other brother Frank) reveals that some Veterans just can’t be satisfied-period.

While I’m not enamored of Shinseki enough to have a beer summit, I do give him high marks for fighting the idiots who have populated the VA hierarchy down at Vermin Ave. for decades. He’s dragging them into the twenty first century kicking and screaming- much against their will. In fact, the chuckleheads are reported to finally be relinquishing their treasured dial phones with the cute, old finger wheels on them. This is no small accomplishment and should be accorded some attention.

This has not been accomplished without the usual caterwauling and bellowing associated with mating elephants. In fact, at twenty one months, it takes less time to gestate an elephant than it’s taking to go paperless. Nevertheless, it’s finally happening. Change at the DVA is inexorable under Shinseki. That much can not be attributed to his forebears.

The only downside to this is the 78 rpm gyrations of denying claims with over 50% error. Hell, I might be being generous. I suspect it’s even higher. LawBob Squarepants made an interesting analogy several days ago to it as VA knitting- “Grant one. Deny three. Grant one. Deny three.” Nothing could be closer to the truth.

Inveigling us to submit Fully Developed Claims form-fitted to their specifications with us carrying all the water and doing the homework is neat trick. Duty to assist can now be retired. Since VA rarely engaged in this practice in the past, its loss will hardly be noticed.

Gen. Shinseki has many detractors among the ranks of Vets but what he does have is the unenviable task of fixing something that has been broken for longer than I have been filing and losing. VA has taken intransigence to a whole new level since the inception of the VJRA in 1988 and refused to modernize. Much like an obstinate child, they refuse to reform. The general is actually being polite as pie in his attempts to revamp all this. I would probably let the heads roll where they may and move on if my crew stubbornly worked against me in this kind of situation.

Some say he’s not a hands-on administrator. That may be right but he’s as inexorable as a glacier and proceeds apace in spite of the verbal abuse. This is precisely why we should be embracing him and his belated efforts instead of trying to unseat him. Face it. He’s Army and doesn’t have the Je ne sais quoi  “farthinker” capabilities we associate with Air Force types. But much like a plodding dray animal, he is succeeding where all his predecessors failed miserably. This should be reason for praise rather than disdain.

Now, who, exactly, is Concerned Veterans of America ? Good question. Considering there seems to be a new one of these outfits about every month, some scrutiny is in order.  The general is a known quantity. He is doing what he said he would-albeit taking his time in the process. As for his promise of 125 days and 98% accuracy by 2015, the jury is still out and will be for several years.

I would normally never give anyone carte blanche to revamp a Federal agency when they ask for five years. That seems unreasonable on its face. But keep in mind that VA Secretaries have dissembled and fiddled since 1989 while Vets died waiting for their day in court. Shinseki is finally moving the goalposts closer toward some rectification of the problem even if the progress seems snail paced.

Rather than give the heave ho to the man who finally got the engine of change started, perhaps it’s time to look under the hood and find who unplugged the spark plugs all these years. Therein lies the problem. One Secretary does not a backlog make. This was orchestrated by many over time and it will take a  concerted effort (by many) to rectify. It will require a major retrenchment of the way VA thinks of us as Veterans. We have to be humanized rather than relegated to numbers.

Lastly, VA must quit cooking their books to solve their problems. Taking claims and divvying them up into subgroups or “less than 125 days” and “over 125 days”,  “fast tracking”, “FDCs” “provisional decisions”, etc. is nothing more than a redux of the divide and conquer theory. At the end of the day, the exact same number of Veterans are still disenfranchised and nothing has changed other than which line they are standing in. Waiting at the BVA two years for a docket is eerily similar to waiting at the RO for the magic 125 days (that morphs into 485) promised. Vets can’t discern the difference. Waiting is waiting  in anyone’s dictionary. Changing the geographical location does not dispel the feelings of anger nor does it validate exorbitant bonuses while we stew in poverty waiting.

There is plenty of blame to go around. Make no mistake. Gen. Shinseki, unfortunately, has “The buck stops here” on his desk and is expected to wave the wand and solve the problem. He is. He’s just not doing it as fast as many would like. Let’s give him credit for being the first VA Secretary to actually succeed in dragging the DVA out of the dark ages rather than just endlessly promising to as his predecessors so ably did.

Remember, getting things done at the VA is akin to mating elephants.

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1) It’s done at a very high level

2) It’s only accomplished with a plethora of bellowing, foot dragging and screaming

3) And lastly, it takes a minimum of twenty one months to produce measurable results. Be patient. And while we’re at it, let’s have a look at the Form 990 the CVA has on file with the IRS. Can it be we have another $330,000.00/year CEO and all his fat cat friends sucking Vets’ wallets dry?

Posted in Veterans Charity concerns, VSOs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

MY KIND OF PEOPLE

Posted on August 18, 2013 by asknod

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I love Facepage for one thing only. Tasty tidbits like this one. God, sometimes I wish I had a homeowners association with a stiffy. Some people are so lucky.

Posted in FACE HUMOR | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

Posted on August 18, 2013 by asknod
Tiger paw-the pink runs through the middle inside.

Tiger paw-the pink runs through the middle inside.

Ever since we got the nasty news of what Monsanto is up to, we’re pretty darn careful what we plant and where we get the seeds. Cupcake was in charge of that this year and the insane desire to accessorize colors  (Monsanto be damned) required some careful screening. I had to take VA examiner courses on how to deny whole species outright. 

This is also Leigh’s virtual crop until she’s ready to start growing her own again sometime soon.

 

 

Carol Chykos' big paste black (like a Roma)

Carol Chykos’ big paste black (like a Roma)

Last night, my loving significant other started finding some that were ripe. I make no excuses. I’m a man. I had the grow box out-not the harvest box. As an accidental gardener and relatively new to this occupation, I am easily distracted by all the other denizens of the garden. Everyone clamors for attention in that crowded environment. Having an observant spouse who can spot color is paramount to eating it before it’s overdone.

Black from Tula The gourmet's tomato

Black from Tula
The gourmet’s tomato

This is part of my radio show tonight so be sure to keep this up on another tab.

Yellow Russian Azoychka

Yellow Russian Azoychka

Gold Nugget

Gold Nugget

Being the last one in the world to read instructions, I find out now that some of these insist on being grown in seclusion. Try telling that to the tomatoes. They don’t seem to be too put out about living in the ‘hood together with their friends.

Posted in Food for the soul, Stardust Radio | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Your veterans’ benefits, SSA benefits and the threat of the chained CPI

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Laura

cat food

AARP has been educating seniors on what politicians are up to with the Chained CPI, which is “a fancy Washington term that means cutting the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for social security and veterans benefits.  The cut would start now and grow larger over time.”  

But it gets worse. Under the new calculations, annual COLA increases will be smaller but “taxes will increase for about 80% of all taxpayers.”  Taxpayers with the smallest incomes ($10,000-$20,000) will see the greatest rise in their taxes over 16 years (7%).  The poor will get poorer.

Using $20,000 as a typical retiree’s income level (age 65) , AARP projects a loss of $14,076 in cuts by age 90.  For a veteran, 62 years, the loss will be $32,000 in total benefits.

To calculate what you might lose, AARP has provided an easy calculator:

https://act.aarp.org/CCPI/index-landing.html

This is a time when an elderly person’s need for money for is at its highest and disposable income is at its lowest!

Democrats, President Obama included, insisted on it in their  most recent budget. Republicans must be leaping for joy over this concept.  I think it’s time to email our Senators because if they vote for this hideous budget proposal, they do not deserve our votes.  This is a fast process if you use the form under the calculator on the AARP website.

If this goes through, there’s always cat food.  Cat food. It’s what’s  for dinner!  A little Fancy Feast tuna or liver anyone? Meow. Purr. Yuck.  

Ed. note. Keidove brings up a valid argument. I shy from politics on this site but I defer to her on this. We risk the frittering away of what is unarguably a financial pittance currently when viewed in perspective. I had a six figure salary in construction over the years I was in business. My remuneration from VA is less than 25% of that. I don’t complain. I merely mention it for comparison purposes. Of course, when measured against Congress’ largesse, it pales in comparison.

And for the record, cat food has too much fish taste. I prefer Ken-L-Ration beef with sweet potatoes for a more balanced and nutritious diet. Keep the floss handy though. There’s a lot of gristle in it. For homeless Vets, I’ve discovered that the dry version (below) requires no refrigeration and stays fresh for weeks. Be sure you insist on this type from VA personnel at standowns.

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Posted in Complaints Department, Food for thought, Guest authors | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

INTERFERON INFORMATION FOR SECONDARY CLAIMS

Posted on August 17, 2013 by asknod

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Malcolm in the middle is getting ready to go back and gird for a second battle with VA. He kicked the dragon but in the process, he got winged. All who have done Interferon have their private horror tale to recite. VA is the only one who prefers ignorance on the subject until you provide the evidence. Then and only then will they acknowledge there are “secondary” side effects following treatment. In truth, your health never recovers from the infection -let alone the cure. But make no mistake about it. Hepatitis does not definitely destroy the thyroid gland. Only the bug juice people have come back to tell us about this. The DM2 and a wealth of other autoimmune goodies also are possible. 

Keep this handy reference in you other bookmarks library to supplement you claims.

imagesP.S. WGM sends me this update on HCV and thyroid issues:

Hepatitis C – hypothroidism Articles

 

Posted in HCV Health, HCV Risks (documented), Interferon claims | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

STARDUST RADIO WITH RICK ON SUNDAY

Posted on August 16, 2013 by asknod
Fukitol

VA-Recommended Medication for everything

Stardust Radio’s Richard Townsend will be hosting me this Sunday night on Firebase Adrian. Same Bat Time       (1900 Hrs EDT or 1600 Local Nodtime). We’ll have the latest on chemtrails, how to Monsanto-ize your veggies in the future and a few ways to avoid stepping on your necktie when going for extra VA claims goodies. The farm report-most assuredly. Please feel free to call in and interrupt. Here’s the link to join us. Same Bat Channel.

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 LIVE call in line … 877-213-4329

And the first caller gets a free autographed Asknod book if you don’t already have three or four! We even pay shipping. And we also have those Agent Orange Urine testing Kits for $560 post paid (lab fees included). Local taxes apply.

Posted in Stardust Radio | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WALTER REED WHERE ARE YOU?

Posted on August 16, 2013 by asknod
200px-WalterReed

Wally

In what would make any physician, especially a military one, roll over in his grave, would be to see the way the military and by extension, the VA, treat our soldiers and Veterans when they think America isn’t looking or paying attention. This just in from a number of you but the first was Frank.

Imagine yourself somewhere in the hierarchy of  the administration at Walter Reed. You’re a shavetail O-4 or O-5 light bird and you get some garbled communication to quit subsidizing the local lunch counter and informal “Feeb’s internet watering hole” called the Warrior Cafe.  This emanates from above and with little guidance on what, exactly, to do. Wanting to make a good first impression and show your budding innovative, leadership abilities, you show you can handle the pressure.

The cafe is beginning to be a political hot potato and was never designed to be anything more than a stopgap measure and a sop to the severely disabled “problem children” of the military-those who were unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the “boom” moment. A burger and fries joint fast approaching a political time bomb. Unsupervised thinking. Idle fingers and the Devil’s workshop. Pissed off wives. Pissed off future Veterans with remodeled bodies and PTSD. A witch’s cauldron of discontent. What to do? Why, make the free food expensive. Make them vote with their wallets and their feet. .

Stir in a soupçon of Fox News and voila!  The army is forced to trot out poor Lt. Col. Catherine Wilkinson down at the Fort Fumble PR Office tasked with saying it was all a horrible misunderstanding. Nothing could be further from the truth. That’s a rather tall order that probably hasn’t been issued just yet. It’s still in verbal format.

Seems the patients in Building 62 (the Feeble Ward) with no arms, eyes and legs were told their Electronic Benefits Cards were no longer going to be accepted at the Warrior. In order to eat, they would be required to assemble in formation and stumble, roll or crawl half a mile to a temporary Roach Coach on the other side of the sprawling medical campus for their three squares a day. On it’s face, this seems like a reasonable accommodation as three birds can be killed with one stone here. Sustenance, money saved and Physical Therapy sounds like a marriage made in Heaven to Walter Reed’s middle management.

warrior_sign

Now remember, these fellows are all still in the military and the UCMJ applies. You don’t just throw down the prosthesis and say “Hell, no. We won’t go!” On the flip side, it’s always fun to pick these things apart on Monday morning and try to follow the train of thought that led to this disastrous decision. Only the government or a military officer could screw it up this badly.

Real Life

Somewhere, somehow, a commissioned officer had to decide the Warrior Cafe was getting to be too unprofessional, too “controversial” or too political.  I’m sure it came to the attention of someone that to have this sanctioned inside a military building was akin to having a Vietnam Veterans Against the War Info desk in the front hallway with Jane and John seated behind it. This is usually what provokes such ham-handed tactics.

Welcome. The cafe is straight ahead and to your left.

Welcome. The cafe is straight
ahead and to your left.

At any rate, the ramifications of having to armor up for a half-mile jaunt to Un café sur Roues (fine French dining experience- try our fries) were never thought through. Squelching the Warrior Cafe by forcing penniless soldiers to eat free elsewhere in a more controlled environment certainly seemed apropos. Alpha 6 Actual calls it “What my point reports”.  Sometimes the disparity in reality can be frightening. We in the enlisted ranks (and apparently Fox News) call this predicament “eyes on the ground”.

Now magnify this story one hundredfold and add in the poor pregnant wife (Paige Wetzel) trying to balance her now-legless husband (Sgt. Josh)  and his host of medical problems and dining dilemmas against having a baby on Monday the 19th. So much for all those Lamaze birthing classes together. Josh is going to need all the wheelchair stamina he has just to get to his food-let alone the Maternity Ward.

In spite of all the mea culpas issuing forth from the Puzzle Palace, nothing has changed at the Warrior Cafe. Hours have been reduced and the EBTs are still slated for the circular file. In God We trust. All others pay cash. No more foodstamps accepted.

In addition to the weekend closure, the base also decided to reduce the cafe’s hours from 60 to 50 a week. Instead of closing at 8 p.m. it now closes at 6 p.m., making it difficult for those getting occupational therapy to get there in time.

Brilliant. Does the Army have a REMF medal for that? Legion of Merit? Commendation Medal ? Outstanding Unit Citation with a Combat “V” device for Vindictiveness? Were I a descendent of Walter’s, I might blow an ass gasket and ask that his name be removed. They ought to hire a five star chef from a nice restaurant and set him up with a first-rate kitchen for these heros. Dinner should be served to them on fine china rather than a cattle drive to the feed trough. We know that will never happen but it’s fun to dream about what it would be like to be a politician.

Here’s a last blast from the article:

Adding insult to injury, there are only two handicap-accessible tables in the (faraway) trailer, and neither the bathroom nor the exit doors has push-button access.

“It’s quote unquote handicap accessible, but for guys who have serious mobility injuries — like they can’t use their hands that well — you know it is tough for them,” Josh Wetzel said.

A warm round of applause for a news organization (FOX) who was not willing to ignore our troops and actually bothered to investigate. I only hope the email I sent our President has the same profound effect on Independent Living Program policy. Which causes me concern. It’s been a week or more since I sent that…

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How come he’s not moving?

Posted in All about Veterans, Complaints Department, Future Veterans, Gulf War Issues, Inspirational Veterans, Medical News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments