Source: http://vets.yuku.com/topic/3882/Agent-Orange-and-Aplastic-Anemia-Myelodysplastic-Syndrome
Timestamp: 2017-02-21 05:11:50
Document Index: 560489302

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1110', '§ 3', '§ 5102', '§ 3', '§ 5102', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 5103', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§\n1110', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 1110', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 3']

Agent Orange and Aplastic Anemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Cancer Forum Yuku free message boardsUsername or E-mail:Password: ForgotPassword?
> Agent Orange and Aplastic Anemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Agent Orange and Aplastic Anemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Aug 10 05 12:03 PM
"Duke of Cool" Here is the link (see below) to the BVAs opinion that definitely establishes the connection between Agent Orange and Aplastic Anemia/ Myelodysplastic Syndrome or AML at 100%.
The Board of Veterans Appeals has established the connection and the rating is 100%. Anyone with anemia should get to their doctor and see if it might be caused by AA or MDS.
link: www.va.gov/vetapp04/files4/0434293.txt For some reason or other the link does not seem to work now some times so I will cut n' paste it in italics below:
Skip: "Citation Nr: 0434293
Decision Date: 12/29/04 Archive Date: 01/05/05
DOCKET NO. 04-20 667 ) DATE
Entitlement to service connection for myelodysplastic
syndrome, to include as due to exposure to herbicides.
Appellant represented by: Veterans of Foreign Wars of
Jason G. Wodogaza, Associate Counsel
The appellant had active military service from September 1967
until August 1971, which included a tour of duty in the
Republic of Vietnam from December 1968 to November 1969.
(Board) on appeal from a May 2003 rating decision of the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in
Indianapolis, Indiana, which denied service connection for
myelodysplastic syndrome, to include as due to exposure to
The appellant requested a hearing in this case, which was
conducted by the undersigned Acting Veterans Law Judge in
The Board additionally notes that in April 2003 the
appellant, through his representative, appears to have
reasonably raised the issue of entitlement to an increased
rating for service-connected bilateral tinnitus, to include
entitlement to separate compensable evaluations for each ear.
Moreover, this issue has not been addressed by the RO. As
such, the Board refers the issue of entitlement to an
increased rating for service-connected bilateral tinnitus, to
include entitlement to separate compensable evaluations for
each ear to the RO for appropriate action.
1. The appellant's active military service includes foreign
service in the Republic of Vietnam from December 1968 to
2. The record contains competent and credible medical
evidence showing that the appellant is currently diagnosed
with myelodysplastic syndrome.
3. The record contains competent and credible medical
evidence establishing a medical nexus between the appellant's
myelodysplastic syndrome and his active military service.
The criteria for entitlement to service connection for
herbicides, are satisfied. 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1110, 1112, 1116,
1154 (West 2002); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.307, 3.309
I. Veterans Claims Assistance Act
The provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000
(VCAA), codified at 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 5102, 5103, 5103A, 5107
(West 2002), and its implementing regulations, codified at
38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.156(a), 3.159 and 3.326 (2004), are
applicable to the appellant's claim of entitlement to service
connection for myelodysplastic syndrome, to include as due to
exposure to herbicides. This law redefines the obligations
of VA with respect to the duty to assist and includes an
enhanced duty to notify a claimant as to the information and
evidence necessary to substantiate a claim for VA benefits.
First, VA has a duty to notify the appellant and his
representative of any information and evidence needed to
substantiate and complete a claim. 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 5102, 5103
(West 2002); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b) (2004). Information means
non-evidentiary facts, such as the claimant's address and
Social Security number or the name and address of a medical
care provider who may have evidence pertinent to the claim.
See 66 Fed. Reg. 45620, 45630 (August 29, 2001); 38 C.F.R.
§ 3.159(a)(5) (2004). Second, VA has a duty to assist the
appellant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the
claim. 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103A (West 2002); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)
(2004); Quartuccio v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 183 (2002).
However, in light of the favorable decision contained herein,
that is, the granting of the appellant's claim for service
exposure to herbicides, it is clear that sufficient evidence
was developed in this case in this respect.
II. Service Connection for Myelodysplastic Syndrome
The appellant contends that his myelodysplastic syndrome is
due to exposure to herbicides during active military service
in Vietnam. As such, the Board shall initially consider the
appellant's claim pursuant to presumptive service connection.
38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e) (2004). Service connection may be
established for a current disability on the basis of a
presumption under the law that certain diseases manifesting
themselves to a degree of 10 percent at any time after
service must have had their onset in service. 38 U.S.C.A. §§
1110, 1116 (West 2002); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.303, 3.304, 3.307 and
3.309 (2004).
The initial consideration is whether the appellant was
exposed to herbicides during active military service. The
appellant's service personnel records show that he served in
the Republic of Vietnam from December 1968 to November 1969,
or approximately one-year. As such, the appellant's exposure
to herbicides is presumed absent affirmative evidence
establishing a contrary finding. 38 C.F.R. § 3.307
(a)(6)(iii) (2004). In this case, there exists no evidence
to refute the appellant's presumed exposure to herbicides.
Therefore, the Board finds that the appellant's exposure to
herbicides is presumed in this case.
At this point, the Board must consider whether the
appellant's current disability is enumerated as a disease
associated with exposure to herbicides. 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e)
(2004). The appellant's private medical records and VA
medical records indicate a current diagnosis of
myelodysplastic syndrome. The Board notes, however, that
myelodysplastic syndrome is not enumerated as a disease
(2004). Therefore, the appellant is not entitled to
presumptive service connection for his myelodysplastic
Although the appellant has argued that his myelodysplastic
syndrome is the result of presumed exposure to herbicides, VA
must also ascertain whether there is any other basis to
indicate that the disorder was incurred by any incident of
military service. Schroeder v. West, 212 F.3d 1265 (Fed.
Cir. 2000); Combee v. Brown, 34 F.3d 1039, 1043 (Fed. Cir.
1994) (Both for the general proposition that in claims
involving presumptive service connection, the Board must also
examine the evidence of record to ascertain if there is any
other basis upon which to develop or grant the claim,
including direct service connection).
Service connection also means that the facts establish that a
particular injury or disease resulting in disability was
incurred in the line of duty in the active military service
or, if pre-existing such service, was aggravated during
service. 38 U.S.C.A. § 1110 (West 2002); 38 C.F.R.
§ 3.303(a) (2004). This may be shown by affirmative evidence
showing inception or aggravation during service or through
statutory presumptions. Id. When a disease is first
diagnosed after service, service connection can still be
granted for that condition if the evidence shows it was
incurred in service. 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(d) (2004).
In order to prevail on the issue of service connection there
must be: (1) medical evidence of a current disability; (2)
medical evidence, or in certain circumstances, lay evidence
of in-service occurrence or aggravation of a disease or
(3) medical evidence of a nexus between an in-service injury
or disease and the current disability. See Hickson v. West,
12 Vet. App. 247, 253 (1999). All three Hickson elements
With respect to Hickson element (1), current disability, the
record contains competent and credible medical evidence, in
the form of private medical records and VA medical records,
diagnosing the appellant with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Therefore, the appellant has satisfied the current disability
The next consideration is Hickson element (2), in-service
incurrence. As previously discussed, the appellant served in
the Republic of Vietnam from December 1968 to November 1969
and as such he is presumed to have been exposed to
herbicides. 38 C.F.R. § 3.307 (a)(6)(iii) (2004).
Therefore, the Board finds that the appellant suffered an in-
service injury of presumed exposure to herbicides.
The final consideration in a service connection claim is the
existence of a medical nexus. The Board has thoroughly
reviewed all of the evidence of record, to include, but not
limited to, service medical records, service personnel
records, Board hearing transcript, VA medical records,
private medical records, and the appellant's own contentions.
However, the Board shall focus upon the appellant's private
medical records dated in October 2004, as they are
dispositive of his claim of entitlement to service connection
for myelodysplastic syndrome. For example, the appellant's
private medical records dated in October 2004 show that he is
currently diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. The
appellant's oncologist, Dr. M.E. also specifically indicated
in October 2004 that the appellant's current myelodysplastic
syndrome is "most likely related to" his exposure to
herbicides. In support of his expert opinion, the
appellant's oncologist, Dr. M.E. further indicated that
"aplastic anemia is a rare bone marrow disorder that is
known to be associated with environmental exposure of [sic]
pesticides and other chemicals including Benzine [sic]".
Summarily, for the reasons and bases expressed above, the
Board concludes that the evidence supports a finding that
there exists a medical nexus between the appellant's
myelodysplastic syndrome and his presumed exposure to
herbicides, and any reasonable doubt on this issue has been
resolved in favor of the appellant. 38 C.F.R. § 3.102
syndrome is granted.
Acting Veterans Law Judge, Board of Veterans' Appeals"
Re: Agent Orange and Aplastic Anemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrom
Aug 10 05 12:13 PM	Skip,
WOW! for the last five years, my oncologist has believed that my Myelodysplastic Syndrome (5q- syndrome, in my case) developed as a result of the new type chemo that I used.
This makes the third direct link to AO for me, 1. Non-hodgekins lymphoma, 2. Extremely elevated PSA (8+) for last 4 years (second biopsy tommorow!) and now 3. Myelodysplastic Syndrome!
And the VA says us blue water sailors don't meet the AO criteria. Thanks for the link!Thom
wpm70
Aug 10 05 9:36 PM	Thom,
Good luck w/your medical procedure tomorrow AND the results.
Bill Interact
Aug 10 05 11:25 PM	"Duke of Cool" Me too Thom,
Aug 12 05 8:18 AM	thanks for the support!
The biopsy went off without a hitch but it sure was a pain in the A** Results next Friday.Thom
Proud2bagrunt
Aug 12 05 11:08 PM	You should be aware that a BVA Decision is NOT a precedent. If you read this decision, this veteran had a medical opinion (albiet without treatise cited) supporting his conclusion. This decision does not give rise to presumption for the claimed condition. Proud2bagrunt
RE: Agent Orange and Aplastic Anemia/MDS
Dec 31 08 2:50 PM	My 2nd reply, the first one dissapeared during registration process, sorry if it duplicates. Came across this post via a google search on MDS &
the Vietnam Vet/AO caused MDS. We learned of Aplastic Anemia in April, 2008 when our little granddaughter was diagnosed, after her treatment in speaking with
the AAMDS Foundation I had told the rep. about the Vietnam Vets we serve thru the Order of The Silver Rose with AO caused illnesses, 43 of them. She was very
happy I had called and told me about the Groups of Vietnam Vet Patients that are registered thru this foundation AAMDS. She told me about MDS & VNVets, the
findings the progress, the treatment and thier interaction with the VA System. I also spoke with the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society in Phoenix in preparing
for our annual NAMJAM in Tucson. We set up the AO info booth the Silver Rose brings (we are directors) and the vendor committee for VVA 106 that puts on
NAMJAM. In speaking with the LLS the rep. told me about the findings/reports of this year between them and hte VA on MDS and VN Vets. Amazing, before now I had
never heard of it in any forum and have served VNVets for about 15 yrs. now. I then get an email from a VNVet in Florida, he is one of many in a group of
patients at his local VA being treated for MDS caused by AO during the Vietnam War. He said some not all are being compensated now. I had sent out an email to
every VSO/VBO and Vet Orgs. & Groups with priority in requesting we all get onboard with this issue and begin including this info when speaking to
Veterans. I heard back from 2. We are also VVA & AVVA with a new chapter here in Sierra Vista. Until now it's been a very lonely effort and I
don't understand the disinterest and no effort by the VSO's we know here in AZ. Our VVA/AVVA Region Directors have just been informed of this illness
and are already making an effort, they have offered to discuss MDS at thier upcoming BOD Mtg. In the meantime the AAMDS Foundation has sent a couple cases of
info packets, I can't give them away in regards to VSO's at every vet group here you can think of! We did pass out a ton of them at the NAMJAM event
on Nov. 1st, and we spoke about it during our Award & Medal Ceremony for our Silver Rose Recipients. Please join us in getting the word out and requesting
info from AAMDS to distribute to other Veterans. Thank You & Welcome Home! Rose in Sierra Vista, AZ
The Order of The Silver Rose http://www.silverrose.org
Aplastic Anemia/MDS Found. http://www.aamds.org
Feb 12 09 9:14 PM	I am currently 2 1/2 years into my diagnosed NHL. It is Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma. I have a copy of the workup done when I got a second opinion on the
condition. Concurrent with confirming the SMZL, the oncologist wrote "Of additional note is the cytogenetic profile suggestion an abnormality involving
chromosome 7, raising a question of a coexistent myelodysplasia." ...... "The possibility of a coexistent myelodysplastic syndrome is possible,
especially in light of his history of heavy exposure to Agent Orange." My primary oncologist had also mentioned MDS as an underlying issue, also in his
opinion as a result of AO exposure in Viet Nam. I have not yet hit the treatment threshold for chemo. My white counts have dropped without treatment. As I was
concerned that I was in a remission (which would not be terribly unusual as SMZL follows a remitting / relapsing course) and that if not reported to the VA, I
would owe them for payments made during a remission, I asked the oncologist for a Bone Marrow Biopsy. I was a little let down when the BMB came back and showed
that the cancer cells are alive and still doing their thing in the marrow. The BMB also indicated a reduction in red cell precursors, answering the question of
why the red blood cell and hemoglobin counts haven't risen appreciably in light of the reduction in circulating lymphocytes. A diagnosis of a coexisting
MDS may be in my near term future.
I write this as a testimony that 2 non associated hematology oncologists who have seen me are both of the opinion that MDS has a definite link to Agent Orange
Mar 8 09 12:33 PM	I am looking for other Vietnam Vets who have been diagnosed with MDS and are looking for answers from your VA.
My claim for AO has been denied so I started a web site: www.MDS-VIETNAM.com in hopes of networking for
more information. My Oncologist appears to be afraid of the establishment and won't accept the fact that exposure
to benzene and the diesel and AO causes MDS. The VA calls it "causality" and a "nexus". I am convinced there are a
number of blood diseases that have manifested themselves in our body and were the result of our exposure in Vietnam.
Mar 8 09 4:04 PM	Unfortunately for you the VA can't act on your being "convinced" that AO is the cause of your problems. It also doesn't help your cause that
the scientific knowledge does not support you either.
"Don't be buffaloed by experts and elites. Experts often possess more data than judgment. Elites can become so inbred that they produce
hemophiliacs who bleed to death as soon as they are nicked by the real world." General Colin Powell
Mar 29 09 9:24 AM	Doughboy42
"I write this as a testimony that 2 non associated hematology oncologists who have seen me are both of the opinion that MDS has a definite link to Agent
Orange exposure."
Could you send me the names/addresses of these doctors ?
larry@MDS-VIETNAM.com
Maybe we can build a database of Doctors who can help all Veterans with these
blood diseases. Interact
Apr 18 09 4:30 PM	I received several e-mails from the board that JANB999 responded to my post thus: "Unfortunately for you the VA can't act on your being
"convinced" that AO is the cause of your problems. It also doesn't help your cause that the scientific knowledge does not support you
Now, I know that helpful and well researched response was not really directed at me because, in my post, I did not say that I am "convinced" of
anything. That said, I include an entry from Wikkipedia on MDS. I have not yet had the time to research the citation regarding the emboldened statement below,
but that research is in the que. With the plethora of scientific knowledge advancing exponentially, it sometimes takes a vital need to find that knowledge and
connect dots. One of the problems with MDS research is that its tracking is not mandated. For VA comp purposes, incidence in the general population and as it
relates to Viet Nam Veterans needs to be researched and statistically analyzed in order to prove or not a presumptive link. Until that is done, each claim must
be handled on a case by case basis and the burden of proof will be borne by the claimant.
My initial post on the subject was simply to state that, in my experience, there are oncologists who will state that in their medical opinion, there is a
causal relationship between Agent Orange exposure and MDS. I respectfully disagree that there is no scientific evidence to support such a claim.
From Wikkipedia entry on MDS:
"The average age at diagnosis for MDS is about 65 years, but pediatric cases have been reported. Some patients have a history of exposure to chemotherapy
(especially alkylating agents such as melphalan, mustard, cyclophosphamide, busulfan, and
chlorambucil) or radiation (therapeutic or accidental), or both (e.g., at the time of stem cell transplantation for another
disease). Workers in some industries with heavy exposure to hydrocarbons such as the petroleum industry have a slightly higher risk of contracting the disease
than the general population. Males are slightly more frequently affected than females. Xylene and benzene exposure has been associated with myelodysplasia.
Vietnam Veterans that were exposed to Agent Orange are at risk of developing MDS."
Apr 18 09 8:33 PM	My response was to shortcircuits where he/she said "I am convinced there are a number of blood diseases that have manifested themselves in our body and
were the result of our exposure in Vietnam."
In response to Doughboy42's last post it is important to remember that Wikipedia citations are not necessarily verified or valid. In fact Wickipedia puts
up a disclaimer that says "Wikipedia cannot guarantee the validity of the information found here. The content of any given
article may recently have been changed..." In other words "we just allow it to be put out there - we don't know if it is true or not."
It is a common problem with internet publishing that the material may be correct or it may be total garbage. Just because it says so on the 'net
doesn't make it really so.
It has been my experience over the years that I can find some "expert" who will support any position regardless of what the issue is. I suspect that
is also the case for most anything to do with Agent Orange exposure and any possible affliction that may, might, could, or would be connected to such exposure.
The government, the military, and the VA are easy targets for anyone trying to make a name or gain some form of "cred". I am constantly amazed at the
number of these experts who are willing to chime in, regardless of their level of expertise in dealing with Agent Orange who have never before spoken to dioxin
exposure in any other context. And there have been, and continue to be, many such exposures throughout the world.
Apr 18 09 8:53 PM	Jan, my man, don't you know that it always possible to find someone on your side if you are slamming the government? Gee whiz!
On another note, when are we making another trip to Vegas? Me and the old lady have been saving up for another shot at the big jackpot. According to what I
hear now is the time to go since the numbers are down at the casinos.
Reply to JanB999
Oct 29 09 8:22 PM	I'll re-read and review this whole page of posts on AAMDS and Agent Orange and whether or not it is presumptive through the VA or if it is in fact caused
by Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War however, it is a fact, it is a medical fact through research and proof... where do you get off telling sick
vets they are wrong about what thier own doctors tell them? It's people like you that brow beat our veterans until they feel the same way they did when
they came back from the war years ago... it's thanks to you that people like us wear ourselves to the bone trying to get the word out hoping to help save
lives! Where do you get your info? You are 100% incorrect and should check out your info before you post to sick vets.. shame on you!
Oct 29 09 9:20 PM	It took BeachBum2U six months to get on your case, Jan. For one, I'm confused as to his issue. You tell it like it is without the frills, much to the
chagrin of those who just "wish" that making something so would do just that.
Oct 29 09 10:44 PM	jdave,
I try to consider the individual and the situation. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it doesn't. Maybe some are just slow readers.
Jan 26 10 5:20 PM	I, too, would like the name or names of any doctors within the VA system that will attribute MDS to exposure to Agent Orange. I have had no luck. I understand the wording that the VA agents need from doctors states that MDS is "as likely as not" caused by exposure to Agent Orange. With a letter written to that effect, we might get somewhere with benefits for giving your life for your country.
Feb 21 10 4:10 PM	If you need help with the VA, I am willing to do all that I can. I am one of the very few that has received a favorable opinion from the Board of Veterans Affairs concerning MDS and Agent Orange. You can see my decision at:http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files4/0930914.txt Don't think this was an outright win. When sent back to the RO in St. Petersburg they rated the MDS at zero percent stating that since there is nothing in their charts that directly rates the disease they will use code 7000 (anemia). I have since given them letters from my private oncologist, the head of the Adult Leukemia Department at John Hopkins Medical and a letter from a professor at Harvard Medical clearly says that MDS should be rated as code 7003 (leukemia). 7003 carries only one option and that is 100% disability.I am also awaiting a letter from Mayo Clinic that is in agreement with the other three letters.It really isn't a joke when we say that they are just hoping we will all die before they have to admit to all of the things AO did to us.
dklanger28
Apr 20 10 10:19 PM	My husband served in Vietnam and was diagnosed with MDS in 2001. He had a Allogeneic Bone marrow transplant in 2001 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He filed a claim when first diagnosed for service connection and was denied numerous times. He passed away in 2003 and since then I have continued the claim and have been denied numerous times. They state they need more medical evidence. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. I do not know where to find more medical evidence.
Jun 17 10 2:21 PM	Here is a more recent VA determination regarding an MDS/Agent Orange claim favorable to the veteran dated 4/17/08.http://www4.va.gov/vetapp08/files2/0812788.txtHope this helps. It may provide a better understanding of the process and wording of expert opinion and a direction to go in building your case.It also verifies my "belief" that benzene (which IS a recognized cause of myelodysplagias) is chemically present in dioxin's double benzene ring foundation.As I wrote before, reporting of MDS is not mandatory. Therefore, it is not possible to research the potential difference in MDS in Viet Nam veterans vs. the general population in determining a possible presumptive link. Each Veteran's case has to be built and presented on its own. The key is to find expert opinion favorable to the claim.This determination provides you with a 3rd link to favorable determinations to supplement your claim.