That is, environmental causes should be sought with genuine enthusiasm. Like the thousands of other veterans evaluated by the VA, Mr. Dunwoody may also turn out to have environmental, service-connected lung disease. Government physicians should conscientiously search for preventable causes in Mr. Dunwoody and others. In general, when causes can be identified, medical treatment can be improved. Based on thousands of VA cases, titanium, aluminum, barium, silica, asbestos, and silicates should be considered.
Hypersensitivity is a well-established possibility.
However, Mr. Dunwoody may offer special, new clues related to his dioxin and other chemical exposures. New lessons may be learned that can help other ill patients. Of course, if causes are not sought, they will not be found. Such a mandate make both moral and scientific sense. Feel free to ask questions about the autopsy findings or any other medical information.