Agent Orange: Chloracne
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/chloracne.asp
Agent Orange: Chloracne
Started by
allan
, Nov 12 2009 06:16 AM
3 replies to this topic
#2
Chuck75
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- HadIt.com Elder
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- 1279 posts
HadIt.com Elder
Posted 12 November 2009 - 07:17 PM
Unfortunately, the VA reg concerning chloracne is so limiting, that it is/was virtually impossible to obtain compensation.
First, the average Vietnam era doctor would not have diagnosed it as anything other than common acne. Next the time frame for diagnosis and "resolve" was so restrictive that even if diagnosed, any long term problems were not considered by the VA as related to A.O.
In actual fact--
Skin changes due to A.O. exposure persist for a very long time, perhaps for the rest of a veteran's life. A naysayer can easily ascribe the changes to something else, as the VA would likely due in a denial. Some of the symptoms are inflammation of oil and sweat glands, high numbers of very small cysts, straw colored fluid seeping from the skin "pores", white discharge, "onion like" flexible or stiff matter popping out when a "pimple" is squeezed, and so on. The chances are that a veteran would likely find it easier to obtain service connection for presumptive conditions other than cloracne. After, all, unless a veteran has already obtained service connection for something else, it's very likely that the VA would treat cloracne, call it acne, and charge co-pay.
First, the average Vietnam era doctor would not have diagnosed it as anything other than common acne. Next the time frame for diagnosis and "resolve" was so restrictive that even if diagnosed, any long term problems were not considered by the VA as related to A.O.
In actual fact--
Skin changes due to A.O. exposure persist for a very long time, perhaps for the rest of a veteran's life. A naysayer can easily ascribe the changes to something else, as the VA would likely due in a denial. Some of the symptoms are inflammation of oil and sweat glands, high numbers of very small cysts, straw colored fluid seeping from the skin "pores", white discharge, "onion like" flexible or stiff matter popping out when a "pimple" is squeezed, and so on. The chances are that a veteran would likely find it easier to obtain service connection for presumptive conditions other than cloracne. After, all, unless a veteran has already obtained service connection for something else, it's very likely that the VA would treat cloracne, call it acne, and charge co-pay.
Edited by Chuck75, 12 November 2009 - 07:22 PM.
#3
Vync
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- Senior Chief Petty Officer
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- 1262 posts
E-8 Senior Chief Petty Officer
Posted 12 November 2009 - 08:39 PM
Chuck,
Thanks for the detailed description of the condition. It doesn't sound like much fun.
Thanks for the detailed description of the condition. It doesn't sound like much fun.
#4
jamescripps2
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- Second Class Petty Officers
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- 75 posts
E-4 Petty Officer 3rd Class
Posted 12 November 2009 - 11:09 PM
It feels like I have been in a briar patch for 40 years. My acneform condition,( Chloracne) was diagnosed on my separation exam and within one year of my last exposure. It covers my whole trunk. Many ruined clothes. I can only wear a white shirt one time and it is junk.
Many surgeries at the VA and outside to remove cyst and leasions.
Many surgeries at the VA and outside to remove cyst and leasions.
