Agent Orange and COPD/Blood Clots

My brother was in Nam in 69, luckily for only 7 months, but turns out he has blood clots and just underwent emergency surgery for pulmonary embolism.  When he was first brought in to the hospital, they went through the entire family history but no one bothered to ever ask if he was a vet.  If they don't ask, it doesn't get documented and thus no database exists on rates of COPD among Vietnam vets.  I'll start pointing that out, that he's a vet, in all of his medical care now, and encourage other family members of veterans to do the same, whether it's Nam, the Gulf War, etc. 

Just found on internet where a patient who was in Nam is getting 70%so you need to copy that and request a claim form ASAP! I am doing it now. I finally got the medical documents to back up COPD. You must get the files they are free. Have your spouse fill out release of information. They will not answer anything unless you back it up. I just connected the chemicals used in spraying to my husbands Tic Disorder. Hope you can find the article. It is on this site. A big thanks to wife who posted it for me to ask why we are not getting paid for this as he has had it since the 80's. I hope she stays with her battle for justice! He should automatically get the PTSD. God Bless All

I am not ,but my father who served, is now suffering from COPD for the past 3 years and various respiratory ailments that came out of nowhere,including family history,genetics etc.he is now hospitalized with a ventilator full time and sedated.So if your looking for others with this condition, you found one.His name Delmar Lynn Conrad. He is a great father/husband and devoted soldier for his country during 'Nam. So if this is connected, I want answers as well!  

Hello TommyRose,  I too am a Viet Nam Veteran from the years of 1968-1969, suffering from the same issues. I have not been diagnosed with COPD, Yet recently I was hospitalized due to blood clots which traveled to my lungs. I do believe that my illnesses are caused by my exposure to agent orange. I hope this will help you as well as myself and any others who are suffering with the same issues.

Albert

I was in county march 68 to april 69 in the iron triangle. I served as a crew chief with the 128 assualt heliocopter co. and flew into more AO cleared fields than I care to remember. I can't get a disability for hearing loss, have been dianosed with COPD by a reg doc and the Va won't prescribe the proper meds to help me breathe. they give me allergy meds and tell me I don't have COPD. I have never smoked. We were even hit by CS gas that the Army droped too close to us. I live daily with coughing up so much mucuss that I think I am going to sofficate. I am sure that I will not live long enough to see this ever approved by the VA. I will never see a single disability payment for hearing loss substained in combat, will never not have ringing in my ear, nerver see a effective treatment for the skin  problems they ignore. If anyone believes that the VA cares about Viet Nam vets I have some swamp land in Fl for sale.

I have COPD. I can't sleep on my back, because I can't breathe from the mucus. I spent 18 months in Vietnam. I applied for compensation. No word yet. I also have peripheral neuropathy. They said if you don't get it in a year. Its caused by something else. A man got Service connected pulmonary emphysema in Waco, Texas. But the VA is appealing it.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp08/files2/0811320.txt This the page for the COPD decision that is being appealed.

I served in Viet Nam in 1968-1969 and I have had two Pulmonary Embolisms that came out of the blue with no apparent cause. I am just now making the connection that my health condition may very well be caused by agent orange. I know your post was some time ago but I would like to exchange information

I HAD CLODS AND NEEDED A PASEMAKER IMPLANT 3/11/2012 VA GAVE ME 60% COMP GOING FOR EXAM 11/15/2013

I WAS THERE 69/70 SIGNAL CORP 2012 X4HEART SURGERY CLODS TO LUNG BAD VALVE NEEDED PASEMAKER

I'm 68 was in Viet Nam Cu Chi arount 67. February 2012 I had massive clots at the artery entrance to my lungs. I also almost died. A private hospital gave me TPA to save my life.

Yes, on 12/1213 I was rushed to Hines VA Hospital. With saddle blood clots that showered down into both lungs. They gave me a 2% chance of living. I've here I said I can't die. 

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I served in Desert Storm 16 months in desert have chronic P.E.s and blood clots . Im at my wits end no doc can give me any reasons , only 42yrs overall healthy besides these clots. Almost died a few times the VA have me on blood thinners but no reason why , and no family history. If you have any answers let me know ..thanks ROB

My 67 yr old husband was recently diagnosed with blood clots in both lungs and both legs. He is a Vietnam Vet who has no hx. of the risk factors such as smoking, drinking, traveling(flying, riding) with no break during long trips. Doctor does not know what caused this. He now has to take a blood thinner, have frequent lab tests to ck. blood levels and was in the hosp. for five days earlier this month.

I have been diagnosed with copd and enyzema. I was also wondering if it has any link to agent orange. I was in Vietnam and yr. 68 and 69.I have alot of coughing. I have nueropathy in my feet and arm