Agent Orange and submarine service

Question:

Back in 2013 you had a negative opinion about Agenda Orange benefits applying to most anyone who did not have “boots on the ground” in Vietnam or being on the Navy “blue water” ship list, even though they had the Vietnam Service Medal. Are you still of the same mind? Submarines don’t seem to be listed.  Many of us were on a snorkeling diesel submarine that worked in the Gulf close into both N and S Vietnam, dropping off personnel and doing other things only a submarine can do. A submerged snorkeling submarine takes in considerable air for many hours, day after days for several months on end. We also used fresh water distilled from the surrounding sea water. I’m interested because of my recent diagnosis of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) that is on the Agent Orange List. Is there an appeal process?

Jim's Reply:

That wasn't my opinion, it's the law. The Vietnam Service Medal was handed out to tens of thousands of people who were never close to the shores of the RVN and in and of itself possessing the medal provides no proof of exposure to agent orange. In any case, any time you believe that you have an injury or an illness (a condition) that may have been caused or aggravated by your active military service, you should file a claim. Unless and until you formally file a claim per the prescribed methods, nothing can or will happen. You should file a claim and if denied, then the appeal process will be open to you.