A Veteran’s Story: The Frustrations of Filing a Claim with the VA

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By Wayne E.

MPN Patient and Vietnam Veteran Wayne E.

I served in the USAF Security Service, 6924th Security Squadron, stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam for one year (1970-1971) and was exposed to the deadly Agent Orange/Dioxin. In 2007, after a simple pre-op blood test, I was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Upon further study I was told I had an incurable, but manageable, blood cancer, coupled with a gene mutation (JAK2). The word cancer scared me. I had never heard of ET and I was at a loss for what to do. I didn’t know where to go next. After much reading about these potentially deadly diseases, I found out I was one of many Vietnam Veterans who had an MPN.

In 2011, I filed my first claim with the VA. Until this filing, I was unable to get any substantial information from my primary care physician (PHP) or my hematologist/oncologist, as to what may have caused or contributed to my ET. They knew virtually nothing about Agent Orange. I contacted the National Institutes of Health, The Centers for Disease Control, and as many online medical sites as possible, all ending with a bigger question mark. Nothing could be explained to satisfy my inquiry.

It was by chance that I connected with a most remarkable group, MPN Advocacy and Education International. I could never thank them enough for the compassion and the understanding they extended to me.

After my initial rejection from the VA, I filed three more times and each time I was denied because MPNs are not on the “presumptive” list of Agent Orange-related illnesses. The same message I kept getting was I needed “clinical rationale” to support my claims. My doctors have not been able to provide me with this needed information. I don’t know what to do today. I understand there are many Vietnam vets that have won their appeals and now get benefits, but there are many others who were not approved and just gave up. I don’t plan to give up.

To my fellow Vietnam Veterans who may be dealing with one of these MPNs, don’t give up. If you have been denied, file an appeal. There is hope, comfort, and assistance available. With the help of MPN Advocacy and Education International.

 Learn more about filing a claim with the VA

 Learn more about Veterans and MPNs

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5 Comments

    • Pam……If I can help you in ANY way, please let me know! Thank your husband for his service,for me,as well.GOD bless you and your family.Peace, happiness and good health to you all……

  2. Um. Wow. Thank you for your service dad.
    I’m not sure this is the best way to learn your father has cancer. Hope you get well soon.

  3. You or the author deleted my post, dad. Wow. That’s not something very nice. Sorry I do not live up to the standards of Kris, Priscilla, audrey, and Carter. Why I’m sure you do not speak to me and tell others otherwise. Love you dad. Too bad you and I can’t speak alone. I’ll see you in heaven.

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