For Your Health

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VETERAN INTEL Parasites May Be Killing Vietnam Veterans

Results from a recent study by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has shown that a parasite acquired in Vietnam may be killing veterans of
Vietnam. Indeed, in excess of 20% of 50 blood samples were either positive or “bordering positive” for liver fluke antibodies.

This infection came from eating raw or undercooked fish and results in a rare bile duct cancer called cholangiocarcinoma. The problem is the worms “can live for decades without making their hosts sick. Over time, swelling and inflammation of the bile duct can lead to cancer. Jaundice, itchy skin, weight loss and other symptoms appear only when the disease is in its final stages, which is death.”

One veteran, 65-year old Mike Baughman, fought with the VA in order to have them grant his claim. In fact, the VA denied it three times. However, his doctor wrote a letter to the VA letting them know that his cancer was “more likely than not” caused by the liver flukes. Fortunately, he now receives $3,100 per month and knows his wife will continue to receive benefits after his death.

Unfortunately, the VA is still up to their old tricks: refusing to grant veterans their just due for a variety of claims. In this case:

Claims hit a high of 60 last year, with nearly 80 percent denied. Decisions appear to be haphazard. Some are approved automatically. Others, presented with the same evidence, are denied.

For instance, some rejections were based on the fact that parasites were not found in stool samples, but those tests were conducted years after the worms would have died. Other claims were dismissed because the veteran did not report his illness within a year of leaving Vietnam, yet symptoms typically don’t appear until decades later.

VA officials say while they’re sympathetic, it’s up to the men to prove that liver flukes from Vietnam are killing them. They say because the cancer remains rare, it would be unrealistic and onerous to carry out regular screenings.

“This is still a legal process that both the VA and the veteran have to go through, and we will look at each case and all the evidence that is presented to us and make a determination at that point. Certainly any veteran has an opportunity to appeal.”

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