The Legacy of Agent Orange: Effects on U.S. Military Service Members and Their Families

Agent Orange, a herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War, has left a lasting impact on U.S. military service members and their families. This article explores the effects of Agent Orange on these individuals and how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has responded to address these health concerns.

The Introduction and Effects of Agent Orange

Agent Orange, containing TCDD dioxins, was used during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. TCDD stands for Tetra-Chloro-Dibenzo-P-Dioxin, which is one of the most toxic chemical compounds known to science. Exposure to TCDD during the Vietnam War has led to a range of serious health issues for both service members and their families.

During the war, many service members lived and fought in areas heavily sprayed with Agent Orange. They often lived and slept in areas covered in puddles of the herbicide. Many ex-service members report symptoms of exposure, and some have passed away due to such exposure.

Health Effects on Service Members and Their Families

The health effects of Agent Orange exposure include a variety of conditions, including cancers, such as leukemia, lymphomas, and soft tissue sarcomas, as well as other debilitating diseases like hypothyroidism, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy (PN), and osteoarthritis. These effects are not limited to the service members; their families have also experienced similar health issues.

Hypothyroidism, for example, is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. PN affects nerve cells and can cause pain and other symptoms, affecting mobility and quality of life.

Children of service members exposed to Agent Orange have also experienced a range of health issues. Many have developed rare diseases, and some have even been born with severe congenital abnormalities. This genetic inheritance of health issues has added an extra layer of suffering to the affected families.

The Struggle for VA Benefits and Compensation

Initially, the VA studied the effects of Agent Orange over many years, often seen as a “paralysis of analysis.” However, they have eventually begun to cover certain health conditions that are directly linked to Agent Orange exposure. These include various cancers, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy.

However, the process of obtaining VA benefits has often been complicated. Certain conditions, like PN, have been added in a way that makes it nearly impossible for veterans to qualify for coverage. For example, veterans must complain of PN within a year of their last exposure, despite it being a progressive condition that can take longer to manifest.

In 1984, the VA settled with the chemical companies for $180 million. This initial amount was seen as a significant sum at the time, but as more and more veterans began to suffer from these devastating conditions, the VA has ended up paying hundreds of billions of dollars in benefits. The long-term effects of Agent Orange continue to be a significant financial burden on the VA and the U.S. government.

The Continuing Legacy of Agent Orange

Agent Rainbow, a combination of all nine colors of toxic chemicals used during the Vietnam War, remains a significant concern. The desalination equipment on board ships, which used this toxic mixture, has posed a serious health risk to the crews and their families. Some sailors from the USS Midway obtained samples of this combined substance and had them independently tested, revealing its high levels of toxicity.

The legacy of Agent Orange extends beyond the direct exposure to service members. The chemical continues to spread through soil, water, and even food, leading to ongoing health issues for generations. This exposure has also led to a significant number of veteran suicides, as they struggle with both physical and emotional burdens.

It is clear that the effects of Agent Orange on U.S. military service members and their families are far-reaching and long-lasting. The VA's response has been inadequate, and the issue continues to require significant attention and resources to address effectively.

Conclusion

GOD BLESS ALL VIETNAM AND MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES BOTH HERE AND ABROAD WHO MUST NOW ENDURE OR PERISH TO THE NEXT MUCH BETTER WORLD!