CCK’s Zach Stolz And Dav Force Rollback Of Thailand Rule Change

Chris Clay, DAV General Counsel, reports in the July/August 2016 DAV Magazine:
Since 2010, the VA has recognized the challenges veterans face in proving that certain disabilities result from herbicide (Agent Orange) exposure during the Vietnam era. To assist these veterans, the VA created special rules and presumptions for Agent Orange claims. Veterans exposed at certain bases in Thailand have benefited from these rules.
Last year, without warning or explanation, VA effectively eliminated this assistance for countless veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange in Thailand. It did so by inserting a change into its Adjudication Manual, a lesser-known publication that is not monitored as carefully as statutes and regulations.
DAV was not asleep at the switch. With outstanding assistance from attorney Zach Stolz, of Rhode Island-based Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD, DAV quickly filed a complaint in federal court in Washington, D.C. The law requires that veterans get notice of significant changes to regulations. That’s just common sense. This was a big change, potentially affecting many thousands of veterans, and it took place with no fanfare and no opportunity for objection.
To its credit, the VA responded quickly with an offer to restore the status quo. The affected Thailand veterans once again will enjoy the advantages of an easier path in proving their claims. “DAV is there to help veterans, one by one or by the thousands,” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “It doesn’t matter who, what, where or when. Disabled veterans and their families are our only priority.” DAV is grateful to Stolz for his fine work and to the VA for recognizing an error and setting things right. That is the way the “system” is supposed to work.
Related Posts
- Denial of Service Connection for Hypertension Secondary to Agent Orange Exposure Contained Legal Error
- Board Denial of Claims Related to Chemical Exposure Contained Legal Error
- CCK Secures Settlement for Veteran Exposed to Agent Orange in Puerto Rico
- VA Must Assist Veteran With Claim Based On Agent Orange Exposure In Thailand
- Board Erred in Denying Service Connection for Diabetes as Due to Agent Orange Exposure
Related FAQs
- When Was Agent Orange Used?
- I Served in Vietnam, Am I Presumed to Have Been Exposed to Agent Orange?
- How Many Options Are There to Appeal a Disability Claims Decision in RAMP?
- Can Agent Orange Cause Nerve Damage?
- How to File a Claim for Agent Orange Exposure?
Related Video
- Agent Orange with Dr. Cassano, Military Medicine and Exposures Expert
- Thailand Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange Deserve Compensation
- VA Claims & Appeals Timeline
- New Agent Orange Conditions 2021
- BREAKING NEWS: Court Rules Blue Water Navy Veterans Should Be Eligible for Agent Orange Presumption
Related Glossary
Related Podcasts
Share this Post