Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange at US Bases Denied VA Compensation

As a young soldier stationed at Fort Ord in Monterey County, California, Dean Osborn spent most of his time training in the coastal woodlands. Unbeknownst to him, the soil and water he was exposed to contained cancer-causing chemicals. From 1979 to 1980, Osborn and other soldiers drank from streams and aquifers contaminated with pollutants, including the notorious Agent Orange.

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Fort Ord, a 28,000-acre installation closed in 1994, has a long history of herbicide use, particularly for eradicating poison oak. However, recent evidence suggests that the military experimented with and sprayed Agent Orange on the base for decades, exposing countless soldiers to its toxic effects.

A Legacy of Contamination

Agent Orange is known for its widespread use in defoliating Vietnam’s jungles, but its impact reached the shores of the United States as well. The Department of Defense has acknowledged storing and testing the herbicide at various military bases across the U.S. Despite this, Fort Ord has not been officially recognized by the VA as a contaminated site. This omission leaves veterans like Osborn unable to receive compensation for illnesses linked to their exposure.

Research and reports dating back to the 1950s suggest that Agent Orange was used at Fort Ord to combat poison oak. Article published in the journal The Military Engineer highlights the herbicide’s effective use in reducing skin conditions like dermatitis among soldiers.

Understanding Agent Orange’s Chemical Dangers

Agent Orange is a 50-50 mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. The latter contains dioxin (TCDD), a highly carcinogenic compound associated with multiple cancers, chronic diseases, and birth defects. The Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of 2,4,5-T in 1979, recognizing its danger to public health. Despite this, 2,4-D remains in commercial use today.

According to the VA, those who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 are eligible for disability compensation due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. However, soldiers like Osborn, who never served in Vietnam but spent time at other bases using Agent Orange, face denials and obstacles in seeking compensation.

Mounting Evidence of Negligence

Environmental activist Pat Elder and his team of experts have uncovered multiple documents proving the presence and use of Agent Orange at Fort Ord. Their research shows that herbicides containing both 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T were applied to kill poison oak in the training areas. The team also discovered a 1991 hazardous waste minimization report listing annual herbicide usage at Fort Ord as 80,000 pounds.

Despite this mounting evidence, the VA remains hesitant to recognize Fort Ord as a presumptive exposure site, citing a lack of documentation from the Department of Defense. However, researchers like Kenneth Olson, a professor emeritus of soil science, argue that evidence of contamination with TCDD at the base is compelling.

Health Impacts and Frustrated Veterans

Veterans who served at Fort Ord report significant health challenges, with many developing cancers and chronic illnesses attributed to Agent Orange exposure. Osborn is among those affected, suffering from prostate cancer, hypothyroidism, and other conditions.

Julie Akey, a former Army linguist stationed at Fort Ord in the 1990s, tracks the cases of over 1,400 veterans diagnosed with cancers and illnesses after their time on the base. She runs a support group where veterans share their stories and advocate for recognition from the VA.

Agency Inaction and Public Outcry

The VA recently proposed a rule to extend Agent Orange benefits to veterans at 17 domestic bases. Yet, Fort Ord remains excluded, leaving many veterans ineligible for compensation. Frustrated by this oversight, veterans and their families have flooded the VA with public comments urging the inclusion of Fort Ord.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is currently studying chemical exposures among those who lived and worked at Fort Ord from 1985 to 1994. However, the ATSDR’s focus is limited to contaminants like trichloroethylene and does not address Agent Orange specifically.

The struggle for compensation and recognition continues for veterans exposed to Agent Orange at Fort Ord. Despite the overwhelming evidence and growing public outcry, the VA remains reluctant to expand the list of recognized exposure sites. This controversy underscores the need for greater accountability and support for veterans who served their country, only to find themselves abandoned in their time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange is a powerful herbicide containing two chemicals, 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, used by the U.S. military to clear vegetation during the Vietnam War. It contains dioxin, a potent carcinogen.

Why are veterans denied compensation for Agent Orange exposure at Fort Ord?

The VA denies benefits due to a lack of evidence that Agent Orange was used or stored at Fort Ord, relying on outdated Defense Department lists.

What illnesses are linked to Agent Orange exposure?

Agent Orange exposure is linked to cancers, chronic conditions, birth defects, and neurological damage similar to Alzheimer’s disease.

Are other military bases suspected of Agent Orange contamination?

Yes, besides Fort Ord, several other bases are suspected of having been exposed to Agent Orange. These include locations in Mississippi, Texas, Florida, and dozens of other bases where documentation is incomplete or unavailable.

How can affected veterans pursue compensation for Agent Orange-related illnesses?

Veterans can submit claims to the VA with medical records and evidence of their exposure. Working with veterans’ organizations and legal counsel can help navigate the complex claims process, while public advocacy continues to push for broader recognition of exposure.