Question:
I entered the Army for Basic Training at Fort Dix in September of 1990. After being there for five weeks, I became so ill that I was hospitalized. I ended up spending a total of eight months at Fort Dix, having three surgeries for nasal cysts during that time. I also, after doing exhaustive research, found out that all of the documented medical records I have of that time show the possibility of an acute TCE exposure, matching all the signs and symptoms. I also found out that in 1987, Fort Dix was put on the EPA Superfund for 12 "Chemicals of Concern" (a.k.a. CoCs) including TCE, PCE, DCE, and Vinyl Chloride. And no one said a word to us. I need help. Will an IMO help in filing this, and should I seek a lawyer since this might fall under an "Error In Justice" to get my discharge upgraded from honorable to medical? Thank you for your time and patience.
Jim's Reply:
I'm not sure how you upgrade an honorable discharge? I'd leave that one alone were I you. Otherwise if you feel you have disabling conditions due to hazmat exposures, you should file a claim stating that. An attorney isn't allowed to help you file a claim, the lawyer can only help you with an appeal if your claim is denied. Yes, an IMO will be helpful and frankly, without an IMO I doubt you have much of a case. You can learn more here https://www.vawatchdog.org/imo-ime-medical-opinions-exams.html Do keep in mind that if you had nasal polyps removed and you've recovered, you may not have much to claim . Things that happen to us and that don't leave residual disabling conditions won't be compensated.