Veterans who served at Fort Ord in California are grappling with health issues related to Agent Orange exposure, including cancer, but are not receiving the support they need from the VA. According to a report by Hannah Norman and Patricia Kime for The Daily Montanan, despite evidence of contamination, Fort Ord is not recognized by the VA for Agent Orange-related compensation. This lack of recognition has caused frustration among affected veterans, as the VA has proposed benefits for exposure at other bases but excluded Fort Ord.
Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used during the Vietnam War, has been linked to a variety of serious health conditions, including various cancers, neurological disorders, and respiratory issues. The herbicide contains dioxin, a highly toxic compound known for its long-lasting effects on human health and the environment. While the VA has provided benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, those who served stateside, like those at Fort Ord, are struggling to receive similar recognition and assistance.
Gerson Smoger, a lawyer who specializes in cases related to Agent Orange exposure, emphasized the severity of the situation by stating that “The bottom line is TCDD is the most toxic chemical that man has ever made.” The long-term health effects of Agent Orange exposure highlight the importance of providing support and recognition to all veterans who have been affected, regardless of where they served.
