articles - agent orange

VA RECOGNIZES AGENT ORANGE USED IN KOREA

During the March 2003 VSCM call, we provided information regarding the use of Agent Orange in Korea along the DMZ, including the units in the area during the period in which Agent Orange was sprayed. DoD has provided a correction to two of the cited units. Previously reported as the 109th and 209th Infantry, those units were actually the 1/9th and 2/9th Infantry. A corrected listing of units follows:

The four combat brigades of the 2nd Infantry Division:

1-38 Infantry
2-38 Infantry
1-23 Infantry
2-23 Infantry
3-23 Infantry
3-32 Infantry
1-9 Infantry
2-9 Infantry
1-72 Armor
2-72 Armor
4-7th Cavalry

3rd Brigade of the 7th Infantry Division:

1-17th Infantry
2-17th Infantry
1-73rd Armor
2-10th Cavalry

If you receive a claim from a veteran who alleges service at the DMZ during the period April 1968 to July 1969, and who was assigned to one of the above units, please concede exposure to herbicides. Therefore, there is no need to contact C&P Service in these cases.

For all other claims of herbicide exposure, ask the claimant for a detailed description of the exposure, including the location, approximate date(s) and nature of the exposure. You should also ask the claimant for proof of exposure, such as "buddy" statements, photographs taken during service or letters written during service. Once the detailed exposure information is obtained and there is no evidence of exposure, provide this information to Cheryl Konieczny via email. We will then consult DoD's Agent Orange listing of use, test and disposal of Agent Orange.

See "News and Notes" from the Department of Veterans Affairs, St. Petersburg Regional Office.