USS MERRICK (AKA97/LKA97)
  • INTRODUCTION
  • HISTORY
  • MERRICK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
  • AGENT ORANGE
  • REUNIONS
    • 2001 - 2005 >
      • 2001 - NEW ORLEANS
      • 2002 - BRANSON
      • 2003 - BRANSON
      • 2004 - BRANSON
      • 2005 - HOUSTON
    • 2006 - 2010 >
      • 2006 - WASHINGTON, D.C.
      • 2007 - NASHVILLE
      • 2008 - PORTLAND
      • 2009 - SANTA MARIA, CA
      • 2010 - WASHINGTON, D.C.
    • 2011 - 2015 >
      • 2011 - BRANSON
      • 2012 - BRANSON (AGAIN)
      • 2013 - NASHVILLE
      • 2014 - MOBILE
      • 2015-BRANSON
    • 2016 - 2020 >
      • 2016 nashville
      • 2017 CHARLESTON S. C.
      • 2018 BRANSON
Following information was found in the magazine "Diabetes Forecast", Feb2011.

"Veterans who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 (including those who visited Vietnam even briefly), and now have Type 2 Diabetes have been eligible for disability compensation  from the Veterans Affairs (VA) since 2000.  This followed a National Academy of Science report that found "limited/suggestive" evidence of an association between the chemical dioxin in Agent Orange and type 2.

Vietnam vets do not have to prove that Agent Orange caused the diabetes to be eligible for compensation.  For information, call the VA at 1-800-749-8387."

Any of our shipmates that served in (or visited) Vietnam during the date noted (while on the Merrick or in any other capacity) that have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes should contact the VA.

I served in Vietnam in 1962 while in the Army and I have Type 2.  When I read the above article and did further research that indicated some of my other  health problems (COPD, Heart) could also possibly be linked to Agent Orange, I filed a claim.  Took approximately 18 months, but I was rated 70% disabled and receive compensation.