Some USS Ponchatoula's crewmembers may have been exposed to these toxic hazards while serving aboard. The Department of Veterans Affairs will consider disability claims, compensation and medical treatment for eligible veterans with those medical problems that have a link to these hazardous substances.
Agent Orange – Vietnam, January 1962–May 1975: “Boots on the ground” are no longer required for Blue Water Navy Agent Orange claims. VA will acknowledge that a veteran was exposed to Agent Orange for any of the Presumptive medical conditions if he was aboard ship when it was operating in Vietnam’s territorial waters. A Veteran with any of these medical problems should file a VA claim to determine what benefits he qualifies for.
Ionizing Radiation – Christmas Island April-May 1962: During Operation Dominic, USS Ponchatoula actively participated in three atmospheric nuclear bomb tests. Numerous types of cancer are Presumptive conditions for Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation. A Veteran who was aboard Ponchatoula at Christmas Island and has any of the cancers that are Presumptive to ionizing radiation exposure should file a VA claim to determine what benefits he qualifies for.
Asbestos: Asbestos-containing materials were used throughout the ship for insulation. During yard periods or shipboard maintenance, these materials could have been disturbed in a way that asbestos-containing particles became airborne. Breathing asbestos can cause serious respiratory problems. The medical problems associated with asbestos are not Presumptive service-connected conditions. The Veteran needs to file a VA claim to determine whether his circumstances qualify for disability benefits. His claim will need to demonstrate a strong connection between his medical condition and exposure to asbestos during his military service.
Click “Continue” for more information about these hazards and the VA Claims process. Shipmates may also contact Pete Ablanczy with questions: pablanczy@msn.com
VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers: The spouse or dependent child of a Veteran may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training. As the survivor of a Veteran, you may qualify for added benefits, including help with burial costs and survivor compensation. If you’re caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for yourself. To find out which benefits you may qualify for and how to access them, please visit VA’s website directly: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/