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Q866:  I am a 90 year-old Army veteran having served secret missions during the Korean Conflict in 1952. As I remember I was giving several secret missions over the course of 9 months on the Korean Peninsula.  I don’t remember the exact location of my missions, but I am well aware that each mission involved me wearing a gas mask and chemical warfare uniform.  The missions involved me and the unit I was with to enter secret areas in Korea.  We were directed to place hearing devices throughout forested areas throughout South Korea.  Many of the areas were marked with signs that read “Hazardous Area.”  Well, today I suffer from prostate cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, painful skin lesions, and severe depression.  I wonder if my cancer is somehow related to the Hazardous Areas we explored and dropped hearing devices.  Because our missions were secret there are no records that me and others ever examined the hazardous areas.  Is there any way I can find compelling evidence to convince the VA that my health problems are related to working in the hazardous environments in Korea?

A1:  VA only recognizes Agent Orange, a chemical causing several types of cancers and disabilities, use in Korea from 68-71. I do not know what chemicals may have been used in 1952. The Hazardous Area signs you encountered may have meant that there was a danger of explosions, possibly from booby traps or land mines or possibly chemicals. You might try to get a buddy statement attesting to you being there. Then do some research and try to find a history professor specializing in Korean history that could attest to chemical use in Korea. Thank you for your service.  (DS)  7/18/22

   

A2:  Your family knows you were there.  Get statements from your family stating you carried out secret missions in Korea in dangerous areas.  It may help.  Good luck.  (HP)  7/18/22

         

A3:  Visit a library near you and ask library personnal to help you find military information related to Korea.  Some library workers are experts on military history.  (VC)  7/18/22

      

   

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

      

A4:  Sir have you filed a disability compensation with the VA? You would need your Discharge papers showing you served in Korea and a statement describing what you have said in the post. IF you are married you will also need your Marriage cert, so that if they award you disability over 30% there is an additional amount for your dependent. IF either of you were married before, you will also need death cert/divorce decrees from all previous marriages. Please call 1-800-827-1000 to find out your nearest VA office to go for assistance to start your claim. Hopefully this response has my email, which you can also contact, if you have additional questions. Have a bless day and I wish you the best.  (PR)  7/20/22