My name's Russell C. McFarland.In Nov. 1978 I began what I thought was to be my greatest adventure. Scoring in the top 10% nationwide, with a year of college behind me, and three years of Jr.AF.R.O.T.C. I enlisted as a guarenteed training Radar Air Traffic Controller. The 1928th Comm Group was a bunch of geeks, and I was the old man in the outfit. Little did I know the kid in front of me wasn't just sharing stories about his girlfriend, because we were in the innoculation line that day, he shared his blood , too... About 24 years later things began to go wrong, seriously wrong. In 2002 the virus began to overcome the autoimmune "status-quo" truce we had negotiated and overran it's borders. The VA hospital in BayPines Fl. has documented the surrender of my body's defenses and watched as it destroyed my thryoid. A young man from Infectious Desases asked across a desk repeatedly "Do you know how you may have contracted this?" after about the third time of asking I began to wonder, "Geez, What should my answer be?" at the time I honestly didn't know... Of course, he knew why he was asking, he just didn't tell me why he was asking....That was three years ago...now they are acting funny again. I've developed an intense abdominal pain that hasn't gone away for the last two months. Strange things happen when I call after hours to have the pain evaluated. I'm told to come to the ER right away, nobody can live with a continous 8 on a scale of 1-10. I know they will just medicate me and send me back home again... Monday I come in and the Medications Nurse is all upset, hands me a script, and says "Don't wait until you run out to call next time". I had the Meds.That's not the issue at all. That hasn't been the issue for a while. Even my primary care is dancing around the issue. The issue is all my recent labs have come back positive for cancer and nobody wants to be the one to tell me. Cancer. Shit. So now we are not talking about a lot of money monthly, unless I survive, but that's not the deal. I want to be service connected for this. I put my hand in the air and swore to god to kill anybody they wanted me to, and they made a few promises to me.

Juns 15, 1971 i was medically cleared at the LA military induction center. I was 17.went to fort ord for basic and many air injection shots as well as needle vaccination.AIT was at fort bliss, texas. more shots. out of 350 men 340 went to germany the other 9 nd myself went to Korea to train ROK soldiers on chapperal missiles, 16p10. In Korea sent to camp Howze and attached to D Batt, ADA. approx 2 months into my tour i was diagnosed with Hepititis and sent to Seoul military hospital for a week of quarantine and treatment. Oranges! Went back to my unit but was still very sick and oine thing lead to another and i got in trouble and recieved a chp. 10 undesireable discharge for the good of the service, May of 72. 34 years later i am again so sick I can do nothing but want to die. Reguardless of how i contracted the Killer Hep C, i was serving my time in a war period, which is a 24 hour a day thing. If i was in a third world country and a war lord, and you were serving under me and u got killed or sick I am morally responsiable for ur demise. The same should be true with americans who serve there country. I was healthy when I joined the army and unhealthy when I left. Its all documented. Am I going to get kicked to the curb like most servicemen or is my country going to stick with me and help.

I have Genotype 1b, diagnosed 02/1999. Stationed in West Germany in mid '70s. Had dental work,innoculations ,donated blood ,and unintentional blood exposure(during a fist fight) there. 1b is common to Western Europe. I believe that is where I contracted it. My physcians agree.

Hi, my name is Suzie. I took basic in Fort Jackson, S.C. Jan.1976...we all walked the "line" receiving injections with the air/jet guns. I, nor the people I could see in front of me ever had our arms wiped with alcohol, no less see anyone wipe the guns between trainee injections. I became ill a few weeks into basic training with flu/symptoms and was hospitalized...In 1991 I was diagnosed with Hep.C..my GI man told me I had had it for over 20 years...My geno type has not had a good track record responding with the standard treatment so my husband and I (oh yes he has Hep.C also, he took basic @ Paris Island 1968 along with his cousin who has Hep.C who also was in Paris Island) have chosen to take colidial silver in high doses and our usual Milk Thistle...we found it does help with energy, and definitley with the night sweats...we are praying in our life time someone will find a cure for this horrible disease...as a former nurse I have taken care of so many Vets with Hep.C...how this government can turn a blind eye to so many, and keep saying "Prove it!" is beyond me...(and we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg now)..Maybe we should also be asking them what was in the experiemental gamma globulin we received which is even listed in your records.(You should check)...I think it would be very interesting to see out of all our various companys how many of us were infected! ...Our Prayers to All....Suzie and Randy

Hi, my name is Suzie and I submitted my comments today...I forgot to ask if anyone was in Fort Jackson, S.C. Jan.1976 (for myself) or was in the Marines, P.I. summer of 68 (Husband) could you please contact myself or Randy///We're both positive Hep.C Suzees6@aol.com or Ran50x@aol.com....thank you!

my husband was at paris island july 1970. he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to hep c. the only way he could have got it was with air gun injections. Is there anyone else out there that was a paris island in july 1970? We have been turned down 4 times by the VA. The last time they told us there is no scientific proof that he could have contacted the hep c from airgun injectors. But according to his doctors he had no other forms of contamination to have obtained the hep c. our email is cjaea5@aol.com

I am a HVC veteran ( Army ) vietnam three tours , I did receive air injection shots during AIT at Ft. Leonardwood in 1966, also had a tattoo while at AIT. I also had blood / body fluid contact while in Viet Nam, in 1969 on my last tour I became sick , I was pissing brown urine and had flu like symptoms, body aches in muscles and joints. i saw the medic and they gave me a medication called Gantrisen and Tetracycline and said to drink lots of water, these symptoms seemed to go away, when I came home I was orange colored and tired I also had severe night sweats , I did see a Dr. he did blood work , he said I had Hepatitus, this was in 1973 long befor Hep c was discovered , I was told to drink no alcohol, and was put on B complex threaphy, now in Apr 2004 I was diagonosed with Hep C , I did 24 weeke of Pegasas/ Ribavirin but had to discontinue because I did not respond . I am being compensated by the VA for type 2 diabetes and perifrial neyrapthy in both legs , now tormorrow August 8 2005ll be seeing a medical contractor for the VA called QTC. , for my hepatitus C. I would much rather see a cure for this disease than a paltry sum of compensation, I just dont thing that the Pharm. co`s are working hare enough to eradicate this dragon that we have to deal with , maybe I`m being cynical , but I think theres more $$$$$ `s to be made in treatment instead of a cure. any Vets interested in contacting me please do at Theload@comcast.net

I need help too. My husband found out 8 year ago that he had hep c. By the time we found out he was in the last stages. We were told in 1996 that he had vep c and was told he had about 5 years to live. My husband name was Dickie Ray henry . When they did the test to see how long he had it . I t's came back from around 1963 to 1968 during his time in the navey. He told me that they share razor and tooth brushes. The shots that they gave them may had got it that way. He was in the navey from 1963 to 1968. He even have lung cancers to the lungs. So if any one was on theuss O'Brain in 1968, usscolumbus 1966-1967 Hamner 1965, Was station in north fork va,was at great lake Ill, He was in the hosipal on May 1 1966 at usnh, portsva, He was thier for a week So if you could to help with the hep c . If anyone my had known my husband or has the

I was given blood transfusions in vietnam and at camp lejuene North Carolina .. The va is saying my hep c is not service connected .

My father contracted hep c in Veitnam. He was diagnosed in 1990 and went through several treatments of interferon.(This did not help him) I donated a part of my liver to him and a few days later his body started to reject it. He went to the top of the list because my liver was failing in him. He received a liver the next day from an unfortunate person that had died in a car accident. The doctors didn't think he was going to make it through the surgery. He made and the next three years were very complicated. He was in and out of the hospital so many times and underwent surgeries for things that were affected by his liver. On November 16 he went in to the hospital and he got sicker and sicker. He died December 6, 2003 at the age of exactly 53 1/2. They said he had a fungal infection in his blood, kidneys were failing (he was on dialysis) . His heart was the only strong organ he had. Its been 1 year and 8 months since he left us and there are no words to describe how much we miss him.

THE REASON THAT I FEEL THAT I CONTACTED HEP C IN THE MARINES IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT I NEVER USED INTRAVENIUS DRUGS. IN OKINOWA THE CORPMAN CALLED ME INTO THE OFFICE ONE DAY AND SAID THAT THEY DONT HAVE MY SHOT RECORDS. THEY GAVE ME ALL MY SHOTS IN ONE HOUR. THE NEXT DAY I WAS AS SICK AS A DOG AND WENT BACK TO SICK BAY AND TOLD THEM AND THEY JUST SAID RELAX. THE DATES OF SERVICE IS FROM 1972-1975 THOSE INJECTIONS WERE DONE WITH A REGULAR NEEDLE BUT THE FIRST INJECTIONS IN BOOT CAMP WERE DONE WITH THE JET GUN. I AM REALLY GETTING UPSET BECAUSE I CANT GET ANY HELP IN FILING MY CLAIM AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I WAS TOLD IN 99 THAT I HAVE HEP C. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF A LAWYER THAT HANDLES VET CASES.

My husband died last week of Hep.C, and the complications thereoff. He was in service ( Army) for 20 years, and 2 wars. He got airgun vaccinations a lot due to the field he was in. He was in rapid deployment. I am now a widow. With no income, but I do have multiple sclerosis, and a child still living at home without a job to get. No life insurance left. We needed the insurance money to get my late husband through this painfull illness. Yes, he contracted Hep.C. in the military. The time frame, and everything else fits the illness. So, my husband died at the young age of 51 years. I wish he would never, ever had fought for this country. I wish he would never , ever joyned the US Army. They killrd him via vaccination. What a sorry country.

What defines a cure? Click here for the answer http://hcvets.com/data/hcv_liver/curedefined.htm http://hcvets.com/data/hcv_liver/curedefined.htm

hi, i would like to provide my liver now and i live in berlin now. i am studing in university and very healthy. my blood is O group. please contact me. my e-mail is Yilite302hotmail.com

Basic at Orlando Oct 1980, airguns used for vaccinations-one on each arm. No wipe downs, just step up & keep moving. Was sick in boot camp with some sort of viral infection. The dentist never changed gloves from one patient to the next-just poked around and kept going. Tried to donate blood in 93-94, told by Red Cross I was "reactant" to Hep C. Had a letter from the public health nurse even. Took to my dr. who said it's nothing to worry about, lots of folks that way. Now my dr. says there wasn't anything they could have done for me back then anyway. So now what? I have health insurance but don't know how much will be covered yet--don't see a specialist for 2 more weeks--and I feel awful. Haven't really drank much since I left the Navy, started having gut problems and the occasional drink hurt. Now, a glass of wine hurts my liver, not my gut. Very ticked off at my country, hope I live long enough to see the feds get their due.

I was hospitalized with hep in 1975 - Germany - not sure if a-b- or c ------------ medical records have been requested - one week ago - doctors told me not to worry about it back then - not too sure now - will let you know more when records arrive

I am positivly convinced that I got Hep C when serving near TayNingh, RVN,1971. Too many of the guys in my unit have come down with it for it to be anything else but Nam related. We must get the VA to STANDARDIZE it's program, making it e-z ier to get in treatment, especially for those with PTSD as well ! Jim Williams 187th AHC, DiAn - 71 www.187thahc.net

I was diagnosed with HepC in late November 2004. This came after thousands of dollars in tests and a four day hospital stay with what I had originally thought was food poisoning. Because of the holiday weekend, the more extensive tests were not available and I remember the doctor asking my wife and I about drug use, drinking, surgeries and blood donations. We and the doctor were baffled. My liver was extremely enlarged as was my spleen. I was scoped, blood drawn repeatedly etc. Still no clue as I left the hospital with the instructions to take things easy and they would contact me with the other test results. A few days later, I am told it is HepC and that with the amount of the viral load and the damage to the liver I would have had to been infected for over 20 years! Still not connecting the dots and not knowing much about hepatitis, my wife started searching the web. On one site, she found an article about military immunizations and the rate of HepC infections. A bell went off! You see, I had never donated blood, and until a couple of years ago I have never had any surgery, rarely drink and do not use drugs. So I fell into the undetermined category. I served in the USAF from 1975-1979 and distinctly remember getting shots before being stationed in Guam. THERE IS NO OTHER EXPLANATION. I am just now starting the process to obtain VA help and it looks to be a long road. I am to be evaluated for a liver transplant next month because the cirrhosis is so advanced. A slow responder to the drug treatment, I have managed to get down to 4,000 + on the viral load and when I started treatment it was over 6 million. The insurance company is reluctant to keep paying for the treatment that is not working 100%. I am told that my only chance to completely eradicate the virus is to have a transplant. At what cost? I do not have the facts yet. I am an average guy, trying to keep one step ahead, not much in savings and insurance may not continue to cover me. I would appreciate any assistance in filing my claim with the VA. Thank you.

I served our Country in the US ARMY active duty 1974-1977, in-active reserve, 1978-1980. As it is well known, that the Military used air guns filled with multiple vaccines and were not whiped off or sanitized after each injection, it is common sence, that I as wll as others were subjected to exchanging of blood or other bodily fluids. The fact that people are waking up and taking notice, gives me hope that others will not be subjected to what I was. This is not the "thank you for your service that I had in mind. My wife also serve durring that time, as we went in together as a husband and wife program an d were stationed together , eccept for Basic. We were proud to serve and remin so. My father served for 23 years in the US AIR FORCE durring the Korean era an did 3 tours in Viet Nam. My wife's father was an ARMY AIR CORPES aviator durring the last years of world war II. I have also found that the military tested and continues to test new vacinations on it's troopers. That alone should be on the prime time news every day, untill all Veterans have been informed or any future recruits are subjected to this silent killer. It also means their dependants, who were treated in VA or any other military setting hospitals. I wish to fight my illness and not give up, but am at Hep C, stage 4 progressive Chirrosis and do not see any humor in this or any plan from our military to show concern. Best of every thing to all, SP4 William D. Parkhurst, US ARMY vet.

It is strongly suggested that the air gun vacination method spread the virus. Look at the age group in- fected, and the military dates of service of these individuals. Of course they will say the drug culture that was prevalent during those years is a direct contributor.I think they will find that more vets in our age group have it then the non vets. Did we do mre drugs????????????

All I can say is - LOOK FOR FELLOW RECRUITS. I have HEP-C-1a. It took 8 months, but I located the guy standing right next to me from boot camp, and he had HEP-C-1a. The VA just ignored this evidence. That's with 2 NEXUS letters. The VA ignored my NEXUS, and the NEXUS to my NEXUS. While waiting, and I am still waiting for a hearing, I decided to look up the other 80 guys from boot camp. It was labor intensive, but I found 75 of their addresses. Some had multiple addresses. I mailed them each address a letter concerning HEP-C and the jet guns. Within 3 days I got calls from guys that are HEP-C-1a! That brings us to a 4.9% infection rate in boot camp. The national rate is 1.8%. Within the next 2 days I received 2 more calls of people displaying symptoms, and not knowing what was happening. They will now be checked. They all remembered those shots, with no wiping of recruits or jet guns. I did the mailing on 29AUG2005, and it's only been one week, and I got a response. I hope no one else has it, but I think that more people will start popping up within the next two weeks. We are coordinating our efforts with corresponding "Statements of Claim" backed up with medical evidence, because none of us have any reason to have HEP-C-1a except being in the same place at the same time. If you would like to know how I did this work, just drop me a line if you are prepared to do some research on your own. I strongly advise against waiting for our government to assist us. After all we are American citizens. Good Luck. Frank

i have contracted hep c , and i always believed it was when i was injected in the military(navy) with the jet gun. they never wiped the surface of the gun a, and when a recruit moved it would cut them. now i cant even afford the treatments anymore. tony j. digiglio

My name is Scott Rose, I am sure you have all heard or read about my story in the Humboldt Beacon article which has traveled around the world. I received my hepatitis C from the jet injection system while in basic training camp in San Diego in 1971. After 34 years of the disease in my system my life has become a living hell. Even though VA physician and founder of the Eureka Veterans Clinic Dr. Phillip Wagner stated in documentation after reviewing my complete medical history military and civilian that my hepatatis C and cirrhosis are service connected, the VARO in Oakland still denied my claim. I was sent to an exam and evaluation in Jan of this year to the San Francisco VA hospital where the examiner also stated in the report that it is more likely than not that this hepatitis C is service connected, the VARO denied the claim once again. My physician who has helped me the most with my serious medical condition has retired and I was given another VA physician. After my first visit with him he started changing my medications around without my knowledge and increased my hypothyroidism medication to four times its previous amount. After several months not knowing the medication had been altered all my teeth started breaking off inside my mouth as I brushed them, of course this was a shock so I went back to the VA and requested another physician who examined me breafly and gave me antibiotics in an attempt to stop the absessing and advised me to cut the thyroid medication I was given in half and take just half of the pill the VA has sent me. As I arrived home and took the antibiotic I was given by my new VA physician I got extremely ill and started to vomit and a rash started forming on my extemeties, I felt I was having a severe alergiic reaction to the antibiotics. The VA was closed for the day so I contacted another physician I had seen before whom my former physician Dr. Phillip Wagner had sent me to one time when my kidneys were infected. The medical group I went to literally saved my life when the kidney infection had gotten out of hand and I started urinating blood clots. Jennifer saved my life by prescribing the correct antibiotics just in the nick of time. Well I went to the medical group when I felt I was having an alergic reaction to the antibiotics the VA physician had given me. It was brought to my attention that this type of antibiotic is not to be used if a person has a liver condition. That antibiotic was thrown away and I was given another antibiotic which immediatedly stated ridding my system of the abbsessing of the teeth, I was sent to a Dentist on an emergancy visit with a letter stateing that I had been overdosed by four times the amount of thyroid medication which has caused all the teeth in the mouth to start desintragrating and literally disolving in my mouth and breaking off. I am due for surgeries starting the 12th of Sept. to have all my teeth removed. The medical practioneer I visited also noticed that my right leg had severe pitting edema. I could not even walk one block without my calf cramping and being completely out of breath, she prescribed a diaretic to remove the fluid that had accumulated in the leg. This has now been several weeks and the edema is slowly starting to receide. She asked me to bring in all my medical records and c files of which she was going to go through all of them and give her opinion. After several weeks of reviewing the records she came to the conculsion that she agreed with Dr. Phillip Wagner that the hepatitis C is from his time in the service. She also had other professionals sign the letters and they were sent to the VA. How much evidence does the VA need before they will finally accept the fact that the Veterans suffering from Chronic Hepatitis C now received their virus via the jet injection system? How much evidence does it take to finally get the compensation and benefits the Veteran with hepatitis C service connected that they are intitled too? How long must a Veteran suffer and be forced to live well below the poverty level after serving his country honorably during the Vietnam Crisis? I can hardly funtion as a human being anymore because I got a virus while serving my country. I feel our country has truly let the Veteran down and I don't know what else it takes to get the VA to start correcting its wrong doings when it comes to this serious epidemic of Hepatitis C. I am at a lose as to what else to do, I have submitted evidence from reliable sources and jumped all the hoops and still cannot seem to get the compensation which I am rightfully due. I pray that the VA will soon see the light and start correcting this injustice to Veterans with this virus that not only whittles away at your liver but also eats away at your soul. I feel for all of you that are going through the same problems that I am faceing on a daily bassis and hope to God that someone stands up as says that this is wrong, correct it. It is up to you Mr. President. Sincerely, Scott Rose

Joined the Army in May 1963 for 3 years. Basic Training was at Fort Dix New Jersey. I remember the Day I walked through the "SHOT LINE" All types of Needles and Air Injector Guns" I hate taking shots but to be part of the Army you just can't refuse. A few GI's were feeling a little weak in the knees but I was tough expecially from the South Bronx. How I wanted to forget that day now 45 years later. I have Hep C with advaced Chirrosis. I just finished 94 weeks of interferon treatment under the care of the GI Docs at VA Medical Center Tampa and also monitored by the Docs at Baypines FL. VA Medical Center. In 1963 the Army medical service was careless and lack the knowledge of the use of proper sterilization of Needles and Air Injector Guns. Medical studies has proven from health laboratories around the country and well documented, that the spread of Hep C would have been prevented or lowered if the US Army Medical Dept would have practice good cleaning and sterilization of Needles and Air Injector Guns. They didn't and we suffer the consequences. At this very date the military continues to make it extremely difficult to get any disability. I do thank them for the treatments and Meds over the years I could not afford any medication on the outside. I have a gripe that this all could have been avoided and my life after service would have been 100% better. That was my dream ! For all those sick days and feeling lousy and have this killer disease eating away at your liver. Being told by doctors over the years to stop drinking alcohol and knowing that I drink a beer once in awhile. I paid the price as so many other Vets that I see at the clinic and support groups. All I am asking is that they give me only a 1/2 % disability and show connected. I gave my country 100% and I never said no. I carry the awards of service (HEP "C") 24/7 /365.

The most obvious was the way we were vacinated. Second, any srcape, cut or insect bite became an open wound for HC to be contracted. Especially if you were in combat among the wounded.

I went overseas in Nov. 1963 and was innoculated by airguns along with hundreds of other soldiers. This was done in Oakland, CA. prior to my departure to the far East. While in line I observed continious use of the airguns without any sanitation of the gun whatsoever. I observed soldiers with bleeding arms. I have no tattos nor have I ev er used any drugs, yet the VA has denied my claim stating that when I was discharged I had no complaints. How can you have any complaints about a disease that takes decades to surface. If all the veterans in this country did not go to where we were all sent, we would all be speaking a different language. They "the Military" caused this problem and they should have the nerve to admit it.

I was in Viet Nam from July 15, 1967 to July 15, 1968. I contracted Hepatitus A three months prior to my end of tour and was hospitalized during that time in Cam Rhan Bay 6th Convalescent Center. On July15, 1968 I was medivacced back to Frisco where I remained hospitalized for another month. Around 1997 I was told I tested positive for Hep-C. It has progressed to cirrhosis now which is supposed to take 20 to 30 years. I have used i.v. drugs also and have tattoos.

I am doing OK after interferon. Liver Enzymes are normal ultrasound normal. I was a Navy Corpsman. I was exposed to lots of contaminants. However, I have always suspected those damn lancets and the straight razors used by barbers. I have no long-term plans. I guess thats why my Disability Rating went to 100% and there was no objection. Mistakes were made. Now let's make them right. TS

I am looking for any navey person during 1963 to 1968 That has hep c My husband Dickie R Henry die of hep c was told that he got it around the time he was in the navey. The Va kept turing his claim down. If we can fine one or two people with the hep c. that was in the navey around that time. Please e-mail . I am steel working on his Va penison Please some one help .My e-mail is pittypat1952@yahoo.net

I am a VA employee that hasrecently contacted HCV in an outpatient VA clinic. Do you know where I can go for statistics on that kind of transmission? Thank you.

I found out about my hep c a few years ago. I was just denied benefits because they said it is immpossible to get hep c from airguns. This is the only way I could of received it except ffor the fact I worked in a lab spinning blood which they forgot to address. Anybody know of how to win this case. Thanks

During basic training (USAF), I remember seeing men in line during the vaccination process, with blood running down their arms.. The guns they used to vaccinate us, could cause cuts, and spatter blood very easily if the GI moved slightly at the moment of vaccination. I have always thought that this is possibly where I contracted Hep C..

I was a Hospital Corpsman (USNR) who worked in CSSR and IT in 1975 - 1976. I was frequently stuck by negligently discarded needles and surgical instruments. Encountered all manner of fluids. Navy diagnosed as "Chronic Persistent" Hepatitis. Docs unsure as to type of viral hep and board determined service connected. Honorably discharged w/10% disability. VA rejected claim as not service connected. Years passed while being designated as having no hepatitis but at times told "some liver damage." HCV-antibody finally taken which proved positive in late 2004. May prove too late as now have ESLD, MELD approx: 14 and PEG-INTRON Rx lasted only 11 weeks, despite my toughing it out, due to bone marrow depression risk. GI worked to continue Rx and we pushed envelope of protocols but became too risky. Hoping to grow up to be a liver lottery winner someday. Luck to all.

P.S. I apologize. The 1974 - 1976 period as Corpsman was at Orlando and also did duty on Code Team. I must have been on Mars because I had forgotten about Injector Gun lines in boot at Great Lakes and later innoculations in Orlando. I didn't use the guns myself but remember the lines, the games played and the bloody arms. I still think I rec'd it thru general duties though as my Commander became sick at same time. Diagnosed with "chronic intermittent hep" (thru grapevine) and never saw the Commander again.

I am a Vietnam era veteran ( 1/71-- 1/73 ) who has Hep. C I was first diagnosed with this disease in 2002. My physician informed me then that I had this for quite some time ( its a slow progressing disease ) His guesstimate was about 30 yrs. It is ( cronic ) I started on combo therapy ( peg-intron and ribavarin ) in Sept. of '02. This lasted for 48 weeks. It was pure HELL!!! The disease was non-detectable for only 1 month. I resumed combo therapy in Oct. '04. This time i was on ( pegasus and ribavarin ) It did not help at all. I stopped after only 3 months. It was probably the worst 3 months in my entire life. I have not fully recovered from the treatments. I am having trouble getting to work on a regular bassis. I have no energy and my joints in my body are constantly giving me problems. I can go on and on about the problems I am facing, but I will end here. They say that some treatments are worse than the cure. They were right on this one.

My husband has hep c and is a viet nam vet.I finally wrote to the President of the United States for answers because we were not getting anywhere with Drs.I'll be damned if I didn't get contacted back from his assistant!!!I never thought I would hear a word from him.I was told hep c is connected to viet nam and agent orange and we should file a claim with our VA.I will be happy to talk to anyone in regards to the info i have recieved. Cynthia

I stated in an earlier letter that my husband has hep c and I wrote to The President for answers.I think we all need to get together and file one big lawsuit and hand deliver it to the White house!!!! Every Viet Nam vet should recieve compensation for what the government did and covered up for years.TOO MANY VIET NAM VETS ARE DYING!!! All have the same illnesses from this damn hep c. Lets get off our asses and do something to make them admit to what was done to our families. Cynthia Bibler

Iwas given several shots using jet injector gun in60s some were live but unsble to find which were the live hepatitis-c.even after reciving my shot record.do not know which ones were live.my question?which one contained the live hepatitis-c the success of my claim depends on this info.whichis notgiven in any research that i have found please help?

I entered the Army as an MP right out of high school in 1985 and received immunization via the Jet gun at Ft McClellan, AL. I too saw fellow soldiers with bleeding arms. I had been experiencing symptoms for years and have medical records as a dependant going to military facilites and they had no clue what was wrong with me. I was diagnoised with Hep C after donating blood at a Red Cross blood drive in 2000. At the time I had no idea what Hep C was, I started to research the causes and I did not fit into any of the categories/ risk groups until I saw research on the use and transmission of Hep C from the Jetguns. I do consider myself lucky, my husband was still active duty military and I was able to get the proper care from a Military facility. I had Genotype 2b and respond to the treatment. As of today I am still in remission. I don't think anyone understands how cruel this disease is and the treatment that follows much less if you can't acquire the treatment. Maybe if a congressman had it there would be much different results to the fight to get our Veterans the proper care they deserve! I am embarrassed by our countries lack our responsiblity and the disgraceful way they are treating the veterans that have served and fought for the rights of this great nation. I agree with the many statements that we must fight to make this known to the public . Knowledge of this tragedy to the public. I am ashamed to say I never filed a claim and I had documentation from a doctor . I just felt that I was getting treatment and their were so many that weren't. I didn't want to take from them. In retrospect I think the more people that step forward and speak up the better it may be for a future that will allow Veterans to get care. I too am trying every avenue to help this cause get noticed, For our future generations of soldiers!

Well I am in the boat also. Being stationed in Germany from 72 to74. Getting started in drunken stuper, and then getting on herion . Now was the hep from drugs, sex, or the (gun ) .... neever the less they say that is was from miss conduct. Well I never got thrown out .... I recieved countless accomidations ... including letters from the dept of the army say ing what a good job I had done .....doesnt sound like misconduct to me ..... but i keep plucking away trying to get the big bucks ,,,(laugh)

I was drafted during the first lottery. To make a long story short I firmly believe that I got my HCV from injector guns. People in front of me were bleeding and the same gun was used on me. In the late 60's and early 70's the injector gun was used often. I have read where Britian has admitted that injector guns were responsible for out break s of HCV with their soldiers. Like agent orange and atomic downwinders the Government does not like to take responsibility for it's improper actions. Therefore, we suffer and die.

My husband also suffers with Hep C. He is currently undergoing the Pegintron treatments.He has lost so much from this disease, jobs, work time, family time, etc. Those of you that are suffering know just what has been lost. My question is, Has anyone filed a class action suit against the military service? Shouldn't the government be paying $3000.00 a month for Hep C treatments, not me. Does anyone have any coments and/or suggestions? I would love to hear from you. cynthiariggs@hotmail.com

i found i had hep c in nov. 2001. no risk factors at all except the air gun poosiblity i remembered the guys aheads of me with blood running down their arm. i was in boot in spring of 1969.of course in had other innoculations after boot before vietnam for one. it took three years but i did at least get my foot in the door by getting adecision in my favor. a whopping 20% rating. i'm in the process of fighting that. i have also had porphyria cutanea tarda. they deny any connection dispite the documents i send them. anyone who has an award for the connection to hep c i would like to hear from you. i did sent them the pct page on here. don't give up and keep the faith. joe green

I was told in 1996 that I had Hepatitis C with mild scaring of my liver and I'm a 1a. Nothing has helped yet, and the symthems are getting worse. I'm having more pain in the area of my liver, fatigue is getting worse and I'm on all types of medication to help handle the side affects that all the different treatments have caused. My employer has even had to change my work schulde which upset many of my fellow workers. I've hand to miss tons of day of work and spent alot of money on treatments and medicine with know help from the VA. Its brought a hardship on my family. But the VA has turned me down for Hepatitis C being Service Connected. I've sent them my records from all my Doctors explaining all the different treatments that I've gone through and all the test results. I NEED HELP I FILED OVER A YEAR AGO AND THE VA DENIED MY CLAIM FOR NOT BEING SERVICE CONNECTED SAYING THAT I HAD NOT PROVEN THAT I CONTRACTED HEPATITIS C FROM THE MILITARY AND THERE WAS NO RECORDS OF ME HAVING IT WHEN I WAS DISCHARGED FROM THE MILITARY. BUT AFTER READING SO MANY STATEMENTS ABOUT OTHER VETERANS WITH HEPATITIS I SHOULD FILE AGAIN. I AM RATED FOR ANOTHER DISABLITY FOR WHEN I WAS HOSPITALIZE DURING MY SERVICE. SINCE I FILED OVER A YEAR AGO AND MY CASE HAS CLOSED, CAN I STILL APPEAL THEIR DECISION. BELOW IS A HISTORY OF WHY I THINK I GOT HEPATITIS DURING MY MILITARY SERVICE. AND PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU ALSO HAVE HEPATITIS C AND WAS STATIONED IN FT. KNOX KENTUCKY FOR BASIC TRAINING 4-11-74 OR DARMSTADT GERMANY 440TH SIGNAL BATTALION FROM 1975-1977. .I've been through 7 different types of treatmentsI enter basic training 4-11-74 at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. During this time we were given shots with the guns and blood would run down our arms, one after another we where also forced to give blood and to share razors and other personnel items. Then at Ft. Gordon during AIT I was hospitalize for several months, for an accident in the line of duty. My face was cut and scared up bad. During this time another soldier that had a leg ampertated was in the bed next to me and he had just come from Nam. They where working on him and blood got on my open sores. I also remember have a blood transfusion, BUT IN MY MEDICAL RECORDS IT DOESN"T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION OR THE BLOOD OF ANOTHER SOLDIER GETTING ON MY OPEN SORES. After this I was sent to Germany to the 440th Signal Battalion. During this time there was a lot of soldiers that was there straight from Nam. And the drug problem was bad Hepatitis A & B was an every day thing over there at this time with soldiers going home to die from Hepatitis B. This was not their fault, many of these guys served their country with Great Honor in Nam (fighting the memories of lost friends and terrible memories). I didn't do drugs but I got to know some of them that did, which I felt sorry for. I lived in the field with these guys and worked with these guys. Even one time all the Cooks came down with Hepatitis B, I lived on sea rasion. There where more of us that didn't do drugs than did drugs, but we stood in line getting shots from the guns along with these guys. Blood running down our arms and they said don't tighten up or it will split your arm open, this is hard to do when you scared of needles or shots. I also had out patient surgery all my wisdom teeth was taken out. But with all this they say that I didn't catch it when I was in the service. Also I've been married twice and neither of my wives have it, my present wife gets checked every year and is clear and we've been married for 16years. THANK TO ANYONE THAT CAN HELP. e-mail: mandmhandyman@yahoo.com

ARMY 68-71 FOUND OUT I HAD HEP C IN 2004 TYPE1B I WAS FT CAMBELL KY FT RUCKER ALA KOREA AND GERMANY LOTS OF AIR GUN INJECTIONS DENTAL SURGERY MINOR SURGERY ON HAND HOSPITAL STAY WHILE IN BASIC FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS MY LIVER IS TOTALLY SHOT TRYING TO GET ON TRANSPLANT LIST AND FIND OUT ABOUT SOMEKIND OF COMPANSATION

I didn't realize that this issue was so wide spread. Like so many, I chose to servie my country back in 1968 and went into the U.S. Army. I went in with a clean bill of health. Went through the assembly line of "Air Gun" shots and shortly after seperating out, after only 79 days of active service, found that I had HEP, after giving blood at the local blood bank. I was checked out by my Doctor and was told that I am a carrier and that I will no longer be able to give blood, would have to see my Doctor on a regular basis for blood tests and physical check ups. Because I seperated out before my 90 days of service was completed, the officer processing my seperation papers told me I was not eligible for any VA benefits. So for 32 years, I bore the cost of my medical expenses for monitoring my HEP. It was only after running into an old friend who informed me that even if I had only 1 day of active service, the Government couldn't deny my claim for VA medical benefits. Since, I have tried to file a claim with my local VAH and have been told that there is NO PROOF that HEP is service related and they would not even consider taking my claim. If anyone has any information on how to get past those bureaucrats, and file a claim for HEP, please contact me A.S.A.P., so I can get this thing started. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you other vets and family members who are affected by HEP and what our Government has not done for us. Vladimir Sirota kubancossack@sbcglobal.net

I Served in the US Army 1971-1973 I Spent one year in Germany and one year Stateside. I had Oral surgery twice and stitches in my leg once. I was Diagnosed with HEP C in 2000 and have under gone both treatments through the VA System. I am self employed and 55 years old. I tire easily and have trouble earning enough money to pay my bills most of the time. Dale R Johnson 972 962 4714

LES BARNES-Viet nam Era Veteran SSG-E/6),drafted 2/71, B.C.T Fort Lewis WA - (C-4-1). 3- Active DutyTours of duty from 1971-1989, Retired diagnosed HCV 1992 after donating blood to Red Cross. USAR failed to pick up the antibody on annual physicals. I remember pre-RVN injection protocol well. Herded through the stalls, medics wearing smocks that were once white, now saturated with human blood. Troops bleeding, some requiring sutures at base hospital. Blood on the floors, foreheads, hands, arms, shoes of troops and nedics. No gloves--No sanitation--no alcohol wipes--The jet gun clogs and the medic wipes the nozzle on his blood stained lab coat. Have been sick as hell for years--Continue to work full time as a counselor. I also teach Prevention for sexualy Transmitted Disease in the Hospital where I work. According to CDC standards and The American Red Cross, our government has violated every known risk factor (with regards to the Jetgun) for effectivley transmitting HAV, HBV, HCV and HIV. From a perspective using the scientific method, the results are consistant, repeatable and measurable. Don't be duped--We have all been victimized without recourse or compensation which falls only upon deaf ears. Pity the poor veterans from the gulf-war era--I have already seen multiple patients with GWS who struggle daily to not take their lives in the darkness and solitude of night. My prayers are with you my brother and sister veterans!

I believe I got hep-c when the army came out with air gun injection, I remeber when it was time for our unit to be injected- I also remebered a soldier moving and being cut when he moved, at that time the NCO's did'nt even change instrument, they wiped it off and I was next. Now, I served in the Iraqi war and found out I HAVE hep-c due gulbladder surgery. I need help.

My dad received 100% service connection for Hep C as directly related to the air gun inoculations. I represented him at several VA hearings, spent years upon years on research, but we proved his case and won! I am currently writing a story on this. The VA accepting responsibility is just the first step. What is a life worth? I am so sorry to hear about all your stories. My dad is in the last stages of cancer, he's had several tumors removed. They don't think he'll survive a liver transplant. And so it is just a matter of time. We are just hoping that this may benefit other veterans and their families, hopefully they won't suffer as much as our family. Contact me i you would like to exchange info or if you want to email your story. lluviafights4vets@yahoo.com

Last year during an annual physical I was diagnosed with hepatitis C, a1. I have no lifestyle practices such as IV usage or drug abuse that would put me at risk for HCV. I have never had a blood transfusion that I can know of or can remember. I have had the same sexual partner for 29 years and she tests negative, as do my two children 15 yrs and 17 yrs for HCV. I enlisted in the US Navy in Dec 1973, in San Antonio, TX. I went to boot camp in Orlando, Fl. When to A and C schools at Great Lakes, IL. I served in Naples, Italy for 2 yrs and Keflavik, Iceland for 2yrs. I was honorably discharged in Sept 1979. During my time in the boot camp and again at Great Lakes Naval Medical Center, I remember the lines of mass needle less injections. I recall bleeding ever so slightly after many of the injections. My primary doctor has been a bit perplexed as to how I might have been exposed. I asked her is the needle less injectors were a possibility. She had never heard of a connection to this before. I did some internet searches and found all sorts information out there on the subject including this site.

I just wanted to bring everyone up to date on the happenings after my last comment. My name is Scott Rose a Navy Veteran of the Vietnam Era. I finally got my opportunity to have my BVA teleconference in Oakland on December 14, 2005. The journey was very difficult driving 5 hours there and then back again, the fatigue that accompanies Chronic Hepatitis C is horrible on long trips. I have been waiting many years now for this appeal to the denial from the VARO about my service connection for hepatitis C. I must admit that I was surpirsed with the hearing. I really felt that the BVA hearing Officer was really there to help me prove my claim more so than I expected. I was thinking it would be more like a court situation with people trying to down my appeal. I felt exactly the oppisite. With my representative present it was much more comfortable than were I to have tried to take this on by myself. He asked questioned, I answered them and occationally the Hearing Officer would ask a question. The hearing was supposed to last for 30-45 minutes I was told, mine lasted about 2 and one half hours and I left feeling reallly good about the whole thing, yet I still did not have the answer as to weather or not the VA is going to reverse the VARO decision or what will happen. I take it now it is written up and the Hearing Officer reviews it and makes a decision, one of the three things that can happen after the BVA hearing. I have no idea at this time as to the amount of time it will be before I hear the results of the hearing, some have said about 6 months, others have said it could be years, there are no set guidelines as far as I can see as to the length of time the BVA has to decide your case. So, it is back to waiting again, back into limbo, just waiting. At this point in my life I have been waiting so long through all this process I feel rather blank inside. Whenever I do get a decision I will be sure to let you all know as to what it was and the final length of time it took to make the decision. Please pray the outcome of all this is possitive. Thank you, Scott Rose Legends in Stone Mosaic Art Gallery

I retired from the U.S. Postal Service on February 2005, at age 55. I only retired because I began to feel tired easily and felt I needed to look to do something else in life. Shortly after retirement I had a Gaul Bladder attach. While in the hospital I was informed that I was infected with the Hepa-c virus. I of course went to my doctor and was referred to a specialist. Since that period I have had my Gaul Bladder removed and I am preparing to under go some type of chemical therapy. I started researching the Internet today and see that this seems to be a very large problem with prior vets. I served during the Vietnam Era from 1969 to 1973 in the U.S. Navy. I hadn’t even considered that this might be service connected until researching it today. I have never used needles for drugs nor have I ever received a blood transfusion. My doctors told me that I have had this disease many years and that there is no way to know for sure how I contacted this virus. After seeing this web site I have to believe there is some connection.

My husband was recently diagnosed with Hep C. He was in the army from 1971-1973. He also was a victim of airgun injectors. After reveiwing the many statements on this website I feel the extreme importance of uniting and getting some national media coverage. If everyone contacted Bill O'Reilly at Fox News network during the last week of January, do you think we could challenge him to do an investigation. We need to bring this travesty to the forefront. Vets should have priority medical treatment and service connected disability.If interested please contact me .lmj@mchsi.com.

I ENTER THE SERVICE ON 6-24-70. AT FT LEWIS WA.AND ALSO SERVED IN VIETNAM FROM AUGUST 10 1971 TO 1972.I ALSO LIKE MY BROTHER'S IN ARM'S HAVE HCV type 1a. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OTHER'S WHO TOOK BASIC TRAINING AT FT LEWIS, WA.FROM 6-24-70 to AUGUST 1970,3PLT B co.1 BN 1BDE. IFYOU HAVE HCV ALSO,I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MY FAMILY DOCTOR.I ALSO ASK THE VA DOCTER FOR A BLOOD TEST THREE TIME'S AND NOTHING EVER COME OF IT.THANK'S TO MY FAMILY DOC I FOUND OUT THAT I'VE BEEN WALKING AROUND FOR THIRTY YEAR'S +( and filling good ) WHATWE ALL NEED TO DO IS PLAN A BIG 1969 LIKE PROTEST TO LET PEOPLE KNOW WHAT WE ARE GOING THOUGH WITH THE VA THANK YOU HARRY AUGUST STEINBORN

I was infected in 1978 after a motorcycle wreck arecievingnd a transfusion.Of course they didn't know about it yet.And then I joined the Navy in 81 no problem.Went through injection gun shots and all medical tests.I did not find out I even had it untill 99.Even though it was a wreck I have learned also that the contaminated blood they gave me was from the Red Cross where a lot of out of work post vietnam vets were selling thier blood to survive.They brought it back in themselfs unknowingly of course.I think wide spread drug use during thier stint in hell or so many ways they could have contact with the local people who were infected.Just ask yourself this question, how many cases of HCV were reported where people could have cotracted it prior to 1969? Not many so I feel just about everyone was infected due to the war in Veitnam.Not the brave soldiers but the lack of medical knowledge along with poor sanitary conditions and drug use.No one has argued this point with me because it is what happened.If we would not have went to Veitnam this HCV epidemic would not exsist today.They brought it home and we spread it to all that came into the need for blood and or drug use here in America. Oh yes we never fail to make it worse.Now were labeled as drug users weather we did or not.I was the first to recieve liver dialysis and gave the me time to research these facts.Don't blame our soldiers blame the location of the war.HCV was there waiting for us and we got it in a big way.America has not even an idea of the number rise of infected people yet to come.Don't give a lot of faith to thier new cure for HCV it rarely works and causes more damage than it repairs.You can read it for youself just open your eyes people we are dieing for a war that most of us weren't even old enough to fight in.Talk about Collateral Damage who won that one.Don't take me wrong I am an Amerian am proud to be here and mean no harm to our reputation but sometines the TRUTH hurts. Thanks for reading.ex-navy.

I have never used needles to inject drugs and I have been careful when it comes to sex partners. I have often suspected that my hep c came from those jet guns. No one is to blame, no one new that this would be a cause of transmission at that time. So now that we know....compensate us..... in good faith

i was injected multiple times by the jet-gun as was every body at my basic training. some of the medics giving ther shots did it so roughly that every body that got a shot bled like a stuck pig. the whole company would be standing there with blood running down there arms and dripping on the ground. about the 3ed or 4th week i was hospitalized with a high fever and aches. i use to drink a lot and my doctors would tell me i had high liver enzimes( i thought from drinking!) every since i got out of the army in 1974. i was not diagnoised with hep-c untill i ate some bad oysters and got a infection about 1994. i hope this helps someone--phil

I really don't know. In 1994 my tests came back saying I had abnormal liver functions. Then in 2005 I am diagnosed with hepc.

I had the daily shit burning detail involved pulling cut down 55 gallon drums from under the shitter and burning completely using diesel and discarded 155 mm powder.Another possible was exposure to local water points in the field as the indigenous used above ground areas i.e. rice paddies to defacate. Finally I was in a position to have human tissue etc. exposure on several occasions, it was not as big a deal as it is now . ignorance is bliss. REGARDS ALL.

I THINK I CONTACTED HEPTITIS C FROM THE MANY INJECTIONS I WAS GIVEN IN THE MILITARY FROM 1979 TO 2005 FROM THE MANY JETGUN SHOTS AND EXPOSURE TO OTHER SOLDIERS BLOOD.

Bernard Berriozabal served nobly in the Korean War at the young age of 17 and now the hep.c is killing him. where is the government after using him

This is just something else SAM has done for me. I believe I got the desease from Air Jet Guns, but who can tell? The treatment was the most painful and difficult thing I have ever done. But successfully. MBaker

I am the 14 year old daughter of a veteran with hepatitis c. My dad is now in need of a liver transplant that the VA is refusing to pay for although we have statements saying that he contracted the disease from a blld transfusion while in the service. I am organizing a run to fund research and awareness for this disease and the reckless disredard for veterans. Here is the web site. www.dragonslayer6k.org thank-you, Katie Prouty

Air injection guns used to vaccinate us in boot camp. and/or Contaminated vaccine made from Canadian prisoners blood that our government purchased. The Department of Defence was in charge of both. In 1997 the Ped-o-jet company (maker of the air gun) sent a letter to the DOD telling them to stop using the gun because of the chance of cross contamination. and then the ped-o-jet company went into hideing. They were always a part of a much larger organization (Keystone Industries, Cherry Hill, NJ). · U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) needle-free injection policy chronology o (1997-11-20) Ped-O-Jet® manufacturer (Keystone Industries, Cherry Hill, NJ) notifies Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) (Defense Logistics Agency) of intent to withdraw as device supplier over liability concern for bloodborne disease transmission from multiple-use-nozzle design. I found all of the info that I needed to win my case on the internet. Thanks, Dave

I was told that I had Hep C in October 1994 . Two years after I was medically Retired from the Air Force after 15 years of service. I was told at the time that there was not alot of information available at that time and that they would just check my Blood Work every 6 months. This was at a US Air Force hospital. While on active duty I had numerous surgery's (none with blood transfusion), had been given immunizations from shared viles of medicine. I was also given finger prick blood test's as well as immunized with a jet gun. I received Razor Cut Haircut's. I had chronic sinus and ear infection's as well as diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. Since being out of the military I have been treated for my Hep C with combination treatment of Inerferon and Rebetron. I had 13 month's of treatment and had zero trace of the virus after compleation. Within 3 month's of that the virus was back . Now I am preparing to go through treatment a second time in March 2006. I am currently being evaluated by the VA Hospital in Philadelphia Pa. for a compensation claim. I have just been reacently told by my family doctor that I am Type 2 Diabetic. We are evaluating treatment . I have read information that may now link Diabetis to Hep C. I feel with all the factors that I was exposed to while on active duty and the fact that the virus can lay dormant in you body from 10-30 years that there is a very good chance I was infected while on active duty from October 1977 till July 1992. I have other heath issues that I am also dealing with that could be affected as well from this virus . I would love to hear from anyone who could give me guidance and direction regrading my claim . Thank you , William P. Peranteau Sr. usmvmc@comcast.net

Just been diagnosed with Hep-B on January 19th, 2005. Was in the US Army, basic training Ft. Benning, GA in 1964. Jet Guns were used most of the time. Saw plenty of blood on the arms of others and on my arm until I learned to relax. We guys were pushed through the lines like cattle. The hygene was extremely poor compaired by today standards. My US #52611439. The VA has accepted me, with co-pays based on my income only; I'm retired. My cell phone is 330-416-9316.

i had hepititis in veitnam in 1967 va has been telling me all these years that there was no record of it well i finally have my hospital records from veitnam is this service connected

The first indication that anything was ever wrong occurred within a year of me being discharged from the Marine Corps. I entered the alcohol treatment program at VAMC San Diego in 1978,roughly about a year afterward. After going through the process of being admitted and screened, the usual examinations were done,ie., blood drawn,psycho evaluation,etc.,etc.were given. Somewhere in that time of stay I was informed that I had something but nobody knew exactly what it was. Hence, it was dubbed a Non-Specific A/ Non-specific B Hepatitis since it wasn't clear as to what it actually was. Keep in mind that in 1978 there was no such thing as Hepatitis-C so as far as anyone at that point was concerned,there was no urgency to the matter. I was told to "just ignore it" and it would probably pass in time. As naive as I was then, that is exactly what I did. I remember being tired a lot and having my blood sugar drop suddenly but paid no particular attention to this,however, I did make mention of this condition from time to time to doctors after being examined, was checked for diabetes and was told nothing could be found and was offered the standard remedy of several small meals a day and plenty of water and excercise. Well,welcome to the 21st century!After having a back surgery because of degenerative disc disease I was summoned to VAMC Richmond, Va.by a concerned nurse practitioner and asked if I knew I was afflicted with HCV. I informed her of what I had been told so many years prior to this which was all that I knew at this point in time. I was never made aware of the severity of this disease until this time. As a result I was set up for treatment for 48 weeks, which I did partake of even though I was quite ill on the medicines given me, Peginterferon/Ribavirin. After having done all that, I didn't clear and I most certainly don't want to repeat that process that gave me no advantage other than slowing the disease since it made me ill to begin with. I must point out at this time also that the treatment was terminated not by the hepatologist but by an opthamologist who was examining me because I had complained of vision impairments that became noticeable after treament for HCV began. My entire point in this is that I am certain that the HCV infection is a result of inoculations received via the jetguns used for the shots we received upon entry into military service. I distinctly remember bleeding arms ahead of me and even my own arm doing so but to complain at that time would have been out of the question if anyone knows what I mean. Rather than try and go through all the mechanics that show the progressiveness of this disease,this is it in a nutshell. Those of you that are suffering too know exactly what I mean. We trusted a government that now wants to deny any participation in what has happened to multitudes of us and we are left to fend for ourselves and bear the burden of proof of how this disease was inflicted on us. If you holding on to any promise that any of these "Millionaire Draft Dodgers" are going to be in your corner especially when it might affect their comfort and livelihood, forget it! There are more details than to add but time won't allow. I just think that at this stage of the game more effort should be exerted in the area of holding those responsible accountable for what's trying to be covered up. Feel free to comment or contact me. I have every intention of getting involved to the highest degree possible There are lives at stake here!

Best advice I can give is hire an attorney. Even then it is an uphill battle. Just remember, the longer the Gov't. stalls (like Agent Orange victims), the more that die without having to be treated or compensated. FIGHT,FIGHT,FIGHT!!

I belive I have contatcted hepatitis c from getting shots with the same needles they used during vaccantions in the service and when I had surgery.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in December 2004 and in January 2005 diagnosed with HepC. The only thing that led to being tested for Hepatitis A, B, and C was the diabetes and the fact that I have none of the classical attributes of a diabetic. No weight problem, no energy issues, and no constant elimination issues etc., but sugar levels were high. So it was the one/two shot for me, Type 2 Diabetic and HEP C positive all within a month. Like others, I had more extensive tests to include a liver biopsy. That’s when the knock-out punch was delivered. Not only did I have Hep C, I had the start of cirrhosis. My viral load was 1.8m copies and AST/ALT were both high. I came home to tell my wife the results of the liver tests and we were just devastated - both of us wondering what happened and why. Since there was advanced injury to my liver (as my doctor likes to call it) it was apparent that I had been living with the HEP C for a long time. The doctor said anywhere for 20-25 years. I remembered taking a US Army Airborne physical in 1989 and the doctor saying that my liver enzymes were a bit high. He asked how much alcohol I drank and I told him I was a couple of beers a night drinker with more on occasional weekend/vacation parties. He said to just stop all drinking for 6 months. I did, and went about my army business, but did start drinking again after this period. I thought no more about this until the HEP C diagnosis in January 2005. I was asked about drug use, drinking, surgeries and blood donations after the HEP C diagnosis. Other than the drinking mentioned above, only the surgery I had in 1989 seemed to be a possibility. That surgery was done in a military hospital with no transfusion needed. I did receive the standard set of shots during the air gun days and remember seeing all the blood that came from those who moved while being given shots with the air gun. Since the shot lines were more often than not very long, I just can’t see how they kept the conditions sterile. Basically, the medics would just keep shooting and occasionally wipe the head of the air gun. Anyway, I keyed on this more than any other thing as the likely cause for me getting the HEP C virus. I’m in the process of trying to get the VA to establish disability for all this, but I’m in the nightmare of providing supporting evidence for service connection. I’m not giving up, but it’s such a long process. I served in the US Army from 1972 to 1994 in many OCONUS and CONUS assignments. Some of these better than others as far as medical treatment goes. I would appreciate any assistance in filing my claim with the VA and hearing from someone who actually was awarded disability for HEP C. Sorry for the rambling story, but hopefully it contributes. Thank you.

I have found out two years ago that I had hep c. Not until I was browseing on the internet on the subject did I come across thehep c and those damn injection guns that they used to imunize us in boot camp, one after another. I even have pictures in our class book showing them zapping us. I never could figure out how i would get hep c. This may be the reason.

my BLOOD was never wiped off of my arms when given my shots.

I have no other risk factors other than the airgun immunizations received in 1980 when I joined the USAF.

My name is Tom Amerson. I served in the U.s Army between 1969-1972. I was trained as a medic and served in vietnam at the 85th evac hospital in Phu bai in 1971. As a medical corpsman I handled all kinds of injury; from rabies to napalm and hepititas. 3 years ago I started having problems with my joints( I am a contractor) I was diaignosed with rum. arthritis and had other blood tests. The doctor got the tests back and said he had never seen a score as high as mine! Other tests were done and finally he said I had hep. C. I could not believe it so I had the test 3 times. I went to a infectious disease specialist and he asked if I had any tattoes. I said I didn't. He had me strip down and checked EVERY SQUARE IN> of my body before he was convinced.( and this guy was supposed to be working for me ( 800.00) for 40 min. visit) !! I asked if I was a homosexual while staring me in the eyes( I guess to see if I would give a sign??) I said NO. He than asked if I was or had beeen shooting drugs which was a no. I told him that I had been a medic and Remember getting needle stuck a number of times. He snorted and blew that off ! He took blood tests and said I needed a liver biopsy. I took my case to the VA. They pulled my records ( 6months) and got me an appointment. They took blood tests and said; YEP, you have got Hep C ! I explained that I was a medic etc.A year and half later!!!!!! My records were pulled again. This time they found where I had actually reporteed a bad needle stick from a hepatitas non a- non b pat. 2 weeks later I came down with the " flu" according to the records. The doctor said" lucky sob, you are one in a million! They connected the disibility 1st at 30%, then 50%. By this time I had started interferon treatment and was severely depressed and was also displaying pts. sysmtoms; big time. They also decided since I was crying 3-4 times a day( 1st time in 40 yrs) and having panic attacks that maybe they would disable me another 60%. It still works out to 100 % . Now 3 years later, I have lost my health( got hep c in 71) lost my business of 24 years and 10 months ago lost my wife of 18 years ( could no longer handle the stress of dealing with the Hep C and the VA. ( who can blame her?) I am now suffering with constant joint pain( I am lucky enough to be provided with Embril) constant fatigue 80% of the time. I have pain in my R quad area and My eye sight has been affected ( fatigue?) I am a geno type 1 with my last bio. showing stage 2 damage( which is pretty good considering I did not clear with the combo treatment) My current va doc.(my second) treats me like a beggar most of the time and THEY admit that they are responsable ! I feel badly for all of you vets that are still trying to prove a connection . I have by dumb luck and they still treat me as a bad penny. If not for the efforts of my soon to be ex-wife( she was a bull dog!) I would be living on the streets .As it is I am progressivly getting worse( headaches) Oh, they are sending me to a head doctor because I should not have so many headaches. Yea Right!! I am no longer on any anti-depression meds. no pain meds.(hard on the liver they say) and the collective good will of the VA system. I also would like the say that overall the people in the VA system have been VERY nice, and with the exception of a few doc's whose hands are tied; I have been VERY Lucky, as far as this stuff goes. Best Of luck guys ,we all need it with the current cut-backs and over-loaded system. I wish I could say it will get better, it won't. My God bless you all !! Tom..

Hep-c disabled vet,1970-1974, shots in basic at lackland afb. san antiona, tx / found out when the VA OKC , couldn't help me. Went to a privite doc in july 05 and he said I had Hep-C, told the VA OKC and they said they knew it since 2003, I asked why they didn't tell me, no answer. I am trying to get treatment but VA just keeps giving me meds and say come back. want to get it service connected, just starting. Have a lawyer. waiting. thanks to all and good luck to my fellow vets. I'm tough-good looking and will always be there kinda guy-this Hep-c thing has me scared -ugly awill try and get there kinda guy lol

I was an army medic in the mid 80's I came up pos for hept. c I claim it was from multipule IV needle sticks in the field anyone else claim this? or any information on other field medics pos for hept c?

During my military service, June,1973 to June, 1976; I recieved a diagnosis of Hepatitis. I then continued to have a sense of fatigue that continued during my service period. I was later diagnosed with HepC in the late 80's. I was one of those patients that recieved airgun injections. I was also one that my entrance physical did not expose any Hepatitis in my blood system. Today, I live with a advanced stage of liver damage.

I know I contracted Hep-C in the Navy...Whether it was from the air gun innoculations or from the blood transfusion during knee surgery. Prior to November 1992 the Navy blood supply wasn't screened for Hep-C.

I served with the Marine Corps in Viet Nam and was wounded on the 18 May 1968 on the second day of Operation Allen Brook. I received several operations in Da Nang, the 106th General Hospital in Japan, and at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia receiving blood transfusions each time. I had surgery at the VA hospital in Durham, NC in 1974, and in Dayton, Ohio in 1986 where I was given blood transfusions. I found out I had HEP C through a doctors visit. I have recently applied for benefits from the VA, I hope they don't deny my claim!

Is there funds for creamation for my brother who passed away last year June.24,2005.He was sick and being treated at a V.A. treament center in Bradenton, FL . He was found a week afer he passed and a over dose of prescribed meds. of morphine. A autopsy finding was chronis hepc, cirrhosis steatosis of the liver. Im his sister and paid for creamation and got his marker from veterans. But Funeral home said ,I could apply for reminbursement from V.A.

I was working in the Veterans Hospital. I worked in the E.R. and the Intensive Care units.

Inlested in the army 1969 went to Ft Jackson, S.C. for basic, had air injection shot's. Was told I had Hep. C in 1996. Went through six month's of Interferon shot's two liver biopcies. Well nothing they gave me to take worked, Im on a liver transplant list now and go for cat scans every three month's. Just waiting to be told i have liver cancer now. My GI tell's me I've had hep.C for at least twenty year's and was probably related to my time in the army.

I was infected in 1968 when I was a trained battlefield Medic with all the immunizations, 29, necessary for Viet Nam. At the last two weeks of my four week furlough with my family they changed my orders, and sent my younger brother instead of me. When they found my "lost" records they decided I had been in the NG, drafted into the Army, and my age was 26 when they released me. Yes, I went through two basics and two A.I.T.s. One Army Doctor told me not to donate my blood, but did not tell me why. After I reported back after the two week leave, they had me work in the Army Hospital and the intensive care units.

I believe I contacted this disease through the use of air gun injectors for the simple reason that can be the only way. I have no other high risk exposure. When I went to donate blood right after I ETSed, my blood was rejected because of elevated live enzymes. I was subsequently Dxed with non-a non-b hep. Before I joined the army I had donated blood during my senior year at high school with no problems. What else can it be?

I am an HCV Gen 1A Vietnam vet who was infected by { air jets } i recieved in 1971, Iam in pre cirrhotic stage 4 fibrosis, next step full blown cirrohsis, next step liver transplant or cancer all ending in death , thankyou for denying me service connection! I never had behavior that put me at risk. After 22 weeks in one study for pegysus ribavirin i was let go because it was determined i am a non responder, now the government says it has new protocols being developed but i will probably real sick or dead before they get off their ass to really start helping in a big way. the government has to open its eyes to what the VA does to its vets, denial denial denial oh yeah and lie lie lie....thanks God Bless the vets...mike savage

I have records from when I was overseas that I got Hep C.

i have been going to the VAMCD Dallas,texas sence the early seventies, i have had seguy several time at the va Dallas, and baylor,Dallas,Parklend,Dallas jet gun injections,in fort polk dec,1967jan1967, and untili had a heart attack and died ,and resesitated .no one told me i had hepC untill 2001 when after my heart attack and stent placement at Baylor Dallas texas ,a few days latter at the VAMCD dallas the docs there told me that i had hep C I had field meics work on my feet when I was in the national guard texas! whats up,and the va says that I am not acandidate for treatment for hepC!. why.

I agree with you all! I also feel i contracted the hep-c virus from when in line in basic, they never wiped the jet gun eigther, plus people were being cut from flinching, and they wouldn't wipe the gun, nor sterilize people when giving the shots. They just yelled move it, move it! I can't afford my treatment eigther. I tried to cliam it for disability and they told me that there is no proof that poeple got the hep-c virus from the air injection shots, then I told them that the only other thing it could be is when I got a tatoo in the military, and they said theres no proof of me getting a tatoo. I was hospitalized in bliss for a couple weeks and told them that the hospital should have documentation of body tatoo's, and they said that theres no documents in my record. Its a big dam cover up! They know this is how 90% of who ever served before they checked vets for the virus, got it! Plus I had ETS'ed early because or leave acuirered and my older brother had died. So they told me not to worry about a physical upon ETS'ing. Now they said because of that they cant give me me disability, nor will they grant PTSD from being blown out of my fox hole, killing some people which they said never happend. Plus I was never in the unit I was in?? Any one out there have any sugjestions?

I'm a US Air Force veteran and a US Army veteran, Viet Nam Era, I was stationed on the DMZ in Korea.I'm suffering from Hep C (diagnoised in 2000) I have Type 1a I'm a non responder...treatment was the hardest , tired of Va doctors who are trying to cover up this mess. All my VA doctors are foreigners, There must have been a memo sent to all the veterans facilities to connect hep C with drug abuse......My joint pain and fatigue is severe.......major depression......I'm only 51 yrs old and I'm determined to win this compensation battle.......I guess there waiting for us to die...........Well i have 11 year old son and I'm a tough soldier still.even if my Liver is dying.........All vets.hang in there and really scan your military records for evidence.educate yourself on this disease and keep fighting........"Keep UP The Fire" on the VA, we'll eventually win..........

I walked down the line at Fort Knox, Ky in July of 1976. I remember distinctly being told not to tighten our muscles or move while being given the vaccines or the air gun would rip our skin like butter. The med tech placed the gun on my right bicep and it bounced off my muscle as he hit the trigger. A quick and steady stream of blood ran down the entire lenght of my arm. A few days later I went to the troop medical clinic because I was pissing rootbeer brown urine. I didn't know why. It almost looked liked it had some blood in it. Brownish red and frothy urine. I was thinking I had VD, but that wasn't likely. I was told I had a urinary tract infection and given antibiotics and sent back to my platoon. 21 years later I was told I have Hepitis C. I was with the 9th Infantry Division 9th Medical Battlion. I gave blood regulary and was poked a few times by needles at the troop medical clinic. Medics used to practice with one another giving shots with saline, my military bravado made me a willing particpate. I never really thought about it, but in retrospect things add up. Good luck to all of you--thanks for your time in service to our country.

1. As I’m sure you already know, in 1967, the nation’s, and most of the world’s, blood supply was contaminated by HVC. In 1970, a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, warned that just one unit of hepatitis-contaminated plasma could contaminate an entire pool. Diluted 10 million times, it still was infectious. Approximately 170,000,000 people worldwide and 4,000,000 in the United States are infected with HCV. The virus is transmitted primarily by blood and blood products. The majority of infected individuals have either received blood transfusions prior to 1990 (when screening of the blood supply for HCV was implemented) or have used intravenous drugs. The Hepatitis C Sourcebook. By Howard J. Worman, M.D., 2002 2. In 1967, I received in excess of 7 whole blood transfusions. This is such a massive exposure to HCV that it seems improbable in the extreme to suppose that I was NOT infected. 3. In 1969, I received additional transfusions related to surgery to fill a skull defect measuring 2 square inches caused by shrapnel wound in Vietnam. The delay was caused by having to wait for the brain swelling to subside. 4. In 1986 (19 years after initial exposure), I was diagnosed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as having “Chronic Hepatitis: Unspecified” by liver biopsy, the only certain way then. As you know, in 1986, Hepatitis C had not yet been identified (1989) and that there were no lab tests to identify antibodies (1990). So, it would seem reasonable to me to conclude that any non-A/non-B hepatitis detected at that time was in all probability HCV. [Prior to the discovery of HCV, hepatitis following blood transfusion that was not caused by hepatitis A or hepatitis B was referred to as non-A, non-B hepatitis]. To identify portions of the genome that encoded viral proteins, the libraries were screened with antibodies from patients who had non-A, non-B hepatitis. These investigators went on to show that the virus they identified was responsible for the vast majority of cases of non-A, non-B hepatitis. They called the new virus hepatitis C virus (HCV). Subsequently, the complete genomes of various HCV isolates were cloned and sequenced by several groups. The Hepatitis C Sourcebook. By Howard J. Worman, M.D., 2002 5. In 2003, my immune system was no longer producing antibodies to HCV. It seems to me this means that (A) I never had HCV, (B) my immune system had fought off HCV sometime during the previous 36 years, or (C) HCV had somehow gone dormant for some unknown reason. (A) As I believe paragraphs 1-4 clearly show, this option is highly improbable. (B) and (C) It seems to me the only practical difference between these options is whether or not HCV might return. 6. But, of course, all of this leaves us with the question: If I did have HCV, why aren’t there antibodies in my blood now? I believe the answer to this is the massive internal bleeding I suffered in 2003. 7. In 2003, veins in my esophagus (varices) burst, leading to massive blood loss. The blood used to replace the blood I loss obviously did not contain any HCV antibodies. Thus I bled out my antibodies. And this is the answer to the question posed in paragraph 6. The VA has denied my claim.

I had abnormal liver function test in 1974 at VA hospital. Tested for hepc in 2003 and found out that I had the virus. Think I got the hep c while in vietnam either from air shot guns or exposer to blood from helping wounded. VA denying any responsiblity. Sounds like Agent Orange denial again!!!

I was diagnose with hepatitis " c" in 1993 and I am 100 percent sure that the virus have been in my system for quite a while. Prior to thatat I was never tested for the virus , the sysmptoms was accidentaly discovered during a routine employment physical due the high count of enzyme. this systom was confirmed with a testing of my liver that proved positive. I do not used drugs, do not have tattoos and not sexually active while in the service.The sad thing about this I doante blood everytime the red cross come to my place emploment. I the medical groups in the service negligence of improper used of medical equipment is the reason how the disease have a percentage among the military vets, particularly vietnam veterans.

I was innoculated with gamma globulin an flown to Korea in 1977-78. A few months after the injections, I was jaundiced and sent to Seoul 121 Hospital for being jaundiced where I went into a hepatic comma for a month and a half. When I was coming around, someone in dress greens asked me to sign a paper, of which I have no idea what it was. I was told I had infectious Hepatitus. type B. Now I was diagnosed with HepC type 1B. Am going to go to the specialists and try the interferon thing. The VA says prove it. My liver is a 3 out of 6 after the biopsy done a few months ago. I regret serving in the military for these reasons. johnny father of three in PA

I strongly feel that the goverment is covering up the hepatitis issue because its too costly for them to compensate the veterans aflicted by this virus. I was diagnosed in the year 2000,at wich time Iwas told I was on stage 1 . And as of 2005 the virus progressed to stage 4. To make things worst I became diabetic two years ago because medication prescribed by the V.A. induced me to also develop Osteoporosis. I hope this issue gets more attention from the polititians as well as the public and fellow veerans and dependents.

just went in for second C/P.the mood of both nursepractitioners was cold. no give &take just reading off the questions on the form, and they try to put words in your mouth, when they ask you questions it is crafty, like ....well did you do this/that once,twice...come on tell me... then they write down the possibility you did some kind of compromiseing behavior.... on the physical exam they look very close for any indication of tatoos/marks...whatever else they are told to look for..I walked away with a very bad feeling, also... I knew more about just what hepc is how you can get infected... and whats happening with the VA claims and bills for presumed service connection.. the nurse practitioner looked shocked at my mention of a bill#hr3434IR...usc.#38.. and she said that no such bill exsisted.... then I mentioned the two cases ajudicated granted in cali&oregon.... serv/con. hey I may not be the sharpest ....but I know when someone is setting me up.... and it sure feels like this is one of those times...so be aware that the mood...has changed.... so read over the entire c/p. questions cause they will try to make it look like you did it to yourself.....

my husband passed away from hep c in oct of 2004.i have been trying to get a widows pension since that time and have been repeatedly turned down.he was in the army ,boot camp,in fort dix,nj,feb 21st 1968,then to fort polk,la,apr 29th,then to germany.had surgury on his shoulder in washington,madigan general.would appreciate e-mails from men that were stationed there at the same time,need all the help i can get!i don't know how many more have to die before they finally 'fess up

There is help out there contact your nearest Veterans Assistance Commission. Or VA Represenative.

just filed for service connected hep c was in vietman 1969 and 1970 . just went throught interfron treatment still postive for the virus. looks hopeless with the v.a any informtion would help 199 light inf.

I was hospitlized in 1975 or 76 with hep c, what do I need to do. I was told my blood did not have enough iron in it and I 'am always feeling tired. I reside at 7955 Rockhill St. Houston Texas 77061 Active duty Marine 1975-1977 Thanks Joseoh Adams

My name is Russ and my statement is in here, somewhere, Here, I'm Baypines2130. The infectious disease folks here say they refuse to treat me. They reason that my depression and overall mental health makes me a very risky candidate for the one year Pegasys treatment. I was asked that if I knew that something could possibly cause great harm to me , would I still want that thing , anyway?? I insisted they stop discriminating between service connected and non-service connected and let's stop the "service through negation" and ge the treatment started! I must have left a bad taste in this doctors mouth, because he got red in the face and yelled "You won't be seen for this in a year, I'll make sure!!" everybody has a bad attitude...

Need comments from anyone who was station at Fort Jackson, SC AIT during the Swin Flu Shot 1976. I am retired from U.S. Army, 22-years. Would like any WAC or female soldiers who was in AIT, during Sep 76-Dec 76 in C Company during that time to please contact Gloria Rembert (Baxter). If You was a drill sergeant, etc with that unit please contact me. Shelia from Al,

I believe I contacted Hep "C" during boot camp(P.I.). I remember being lined up(two lines) with navy corpsmen on both sides of the lines w/needle guns. My friend(Martenez) actually fainted in line. There people bleeding from the arm and people passing out. I do remember the Needle Guns, they really bothered me(to this date). I may be fortunate, because I do have a statement in my medical records that I have"unusually high liver test", so they sent me to another doctor that put in my records"soldier needs a liver biopsy". I don't remember If I got one. I hope they give me "Service Connection", because if I die would my wife continue to receive monies? This is why I am fighting this(I am already 80% paid at the 100% rate, IU). Can you elaborate on what actually do our dependents get out of this if we die? Your web sites are awesome. God Bless Eugene aka "Jughead" egesco@aol.com

I was in the US Army from 1969-72. I was vacinated in Basic, prior to going to Vietnam, prior to going to Germany,and again in Germany when I said I was going to Spain. Most of these were air guns that were not even whiped off even though almost every man, including me, bleed. I got a wound in Vietnam in 1970, and was given a tetnas shot with a needle at a nasty aid atation on the DMZ. My combat medic from my unit from Nam (he has Hep B & C too) has recenty told me that the syrenges were washed out with alcohol and reused with a new needle put on it only sometimes. Alcohol doews not kill the Hepatitis B & C. I was never tested for these while in the service oor on discharged, and only learned in 2000 I was Hepatitis positive, but had been sick since the early 80's. The VA sent me a letter in 2000 telling me I have Hep B & C. It is not the way I should have been told. Some people might commit suicide! In Vietnam I was RECON. I had cuts all over me due to humping in vegitation, my feet were split and bleeding from no dry or clean socks and I had open Agent Orange chloracne scores on me too. I walked in rice paddys that had blood and human feces fertilizer in them. I chewed my fingernails due to stress. I was just 18 and 19 years old. Blood was on many things I touched, handled, layed on, ect; i.e.: wepons, sandbags, shared razors, mixed up toothbrushes, shared food and water with bleeding gums due to poor dental hygene in combat conditions, ect. I had ingrown toe surgery in Germany as well as teeth cleaning. In 2001 I found my Vietnam unit has an association, and got in touch with the men I knew in Nam. Every single man I found that I knew in Nam from said unit has Hep C, and rumor has it from these men that 1/2 of the unit has it. Many have already died of hepatitis. I have been using the VA hospitals for health care since 1972. Many times I have had my blood drawn there as well as surgerys at VA. They often do not wear gloves. If I did not get Hepatitis B & C in the US millitary, I got it at the VA Hospital. "A soldier has two oppertunities to give his life for his country. Once on the battlefield, and again at the VA medical center."

I was in US Army 1969-72. one year in the States, one in Vietnam, and last in Germany. In Nam I was a Recon and had cuts and scratches on me all over as well as agent orange chloracne sores. My feet were split and bleeding due to being wet all the time. I was a 18- 19 yrs old kid, stresed out and chewed my nails till bleeding. We walked in blood and human feeces infested rice paddys with bleeding feet and cuts. (Human feeses was used as fertilizer) I had been sick since the mid 80's and VA sent me a letter in 2000 telling me I have hep B & C. I was never tested for it in the Army or ever! I filed a claim and someone at the VA hospital put IV drug user in my hospital file to prevent me fropm getting service connected ! Evey man I knew in Nam has it, and it is said 1/2 my unit does too according to my buddys from Nam. I got a wound in Nam and was given a needle shot of tetnas in a nasty aid station on the DMZ. My combat medic from there said recently he has it too. He also said the syrenges were usualy only washed out with alcohol and reused for they were hard to get in Vietnam. Blood was on many things I handled in Nam, to include weapons, sandbags, mixed up and or shared razors and toothbrushes, clothes, vehicles, chopper seats, ect. I now have viral cirrhosis and 3 growing tumors in my liver. I am end stage liver disease and only 55 years old. The VA is just wating for me to die whild I have had my Hepatitis claim systematicaly denied and lies like IV druguser told about me. I lost my wife due to all this. I soon will be homeles and am too sick to work. I am in severe pain, while constantly depressed. I had to go to a privater dr and did the treatment but only lasted 3 months. It is not supposed to be given if already in cirrhosis acording to CDC web site. There is a plot to rid the VA of Vietnam vets by this government. I speak out for I am dying anyway. They want to turn ther public against us so they can spend it on new vets. Signs at the service orgs, VARO and hospitals say "Returning Iraq veterans have special rights". This is divide and conquor. I will never trurn against the new vets as we were turned away by WW2 vets. Is this a site that will post this?

I know a vietnam ERA vet that got his service connection for Hep C awarded to is wife recently. He died 4 years ago and she has it too. The only reason that the VA used was because he got ink injector air gun shots in the military to grant it to her and said "There was no other way he could have gotten it other through his militay vacines." so it was granted 100% to his surviving widow. I am glad she got it, and all vets, surviving spouses and children with it should get it service connected. See how the VA is lying to the rest of us?

We were given haircuts by vietnameese barbers in in country who often cut our necks and around our ears with the streight razor! It was not sanitary by any means and was an outdoor chair with one barber we were forced to visit when we came in from the bush.

i would like to here from anyone with hep c that was in e-2-2 in basic training or at ft carson colorado 1975- 1982.any info could possibly help with my v.a. claim.thanks

I would first like to say to all of you who are in end stage liver diseae please look into all of your options not just the VA. There are many hospitals around the country that are transplant centers, so do your research. Many can take a partial transplant from a family member. Mayo is currently doing this. From what I have heard the results have been good. The VA is not always your best choice for medical care okay! Please know all your options.

I want you all to know that most patient's do very well on therapy depending on your genotype. If you are a 1 you have a 50% of cure. genotype 2 is 85% of cure the others are the same as 1. Treatment is worth it even if you are in cirrhosis as long as you are compensated. Please look into therapy. If you are not happy with your doctor look into someone else who takes your insurnace. I see many patients a day and most of my patients do very well on therapy. Please do not give up! FB

I have hep c1b, I know I got this in the army[1971/1985] with the many innoculations, shots, ect. one or more of them had to be the one, but..lets not forget the swine flue shot we all had[pres order] in 76, I had that one with a reg needle and it was used till it was too dull to punchure skin, that was a order direct from potus. we should all remember that, cause ..hey!! that sure could be the one !!!!

i went to nam on a tank landing ship lst 1122.we carried 800 tons to chu lai and da nang.i believe i got hep c from air shots in the great lakes training center,illinois.i have a small crater in my arm because the medic jumped when he gave it to me.blood ran down my arm as did some of the approx. 100 other recruits.i'm not expecting from the va because they've turned me doan.my appeal is now in washington.can anyone tell me what's needed for approval.my gastro doctor sent his input-NEXUS.thanks to all. florida george

I completed boot camp at Ft. Knox, Ky., in October of 1976. I have located several people who were in other units at the camp the same months/yr. that I was who also have Hep C. I am in the proccess of trying to locate men who I went through basic with. I am in the latter stages of liver disease, necrosis, chirrosis. I know that I received Hep C from the jet guns. I have had no blood transfussions or surgerys that require blood.

I was a medic with the 85th evac. hospital in Phu Bai RVN. in 1971. I served in a various dutes. Sugical wards, intensive care etc. We had a huge hepititas ward there. Lots of non A- non B and others. I got neddle stuck real bad changing an IV on a guy with Hep. and ; for once, reported it. It was in my records( much to the VA's chagin when I came up positive 3 years ago for hep C. No, I had and have no tattoo's( they checked every in of my body to make sure. It seems to be the Va's mission to turn away as many hep C vet's as they can. The system would just collaspe if all were treated. There is NO WAY to turn away medical personal. How many times did we get neddle stuck?? Had blood running all over us? It boggles the mind! I was allowed first 10%, then 30% ,then 60% for my hepititas. With post tramatic stress ( depression) Rumitoid art. ( part of the auto-immune responce) I had to retire this year at 54 years old. I'm sick, exausted; failed interfiron treatment last year. ( the depression and over-medication almost killed me) It did destroy my marriage of 18 yrs( she could not handle all the stress. any way , now I am at the beginning of stage 3, which considering that I contracted in 71' is pretty good I guess. Any way; best of luck to all the vet's who contracted this terrible hep. C. God bless Tom Amerson june 2006

I RECEIVED MANY JETGUN SHOTS. 1971 SAN DIEGO USNAVY BOOTCAMP. ALL OF US IN LINE, HERDED QUICKLY. NO CARE WAS TAKEN TO WIPE JETGUNS BETWEEN PERSONEL. MY PARTNER, ON ONE OCCASION TOLD THE MEDIC NOT TO GIVE THE SHOT IN HIS TATOO---HE GOT 3 RAPID SHOTS TO THAT TATOO WHICH PUT HIM TO HIS KNEES---ALL FOR TALKING. I WAS NEXT, "NO WIPING"--I DIDN'T TALK. TODAY 35 YEARS LATER, I'M ALWAYS RUNDOWN "JUST WANTING TO SLEEP ALL THE TIME". FOUNDOUT IN 2000 WHILE DONATING BLOOD FOR A FRIEND. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESENT TREATMENTS FOR HEP "C". THANKYOU BOB---SANTA ROSA, CA

1976 to 1979 I served proudly. Now I have hep c as a constant reminder of my tour of duty. At Ft. Leonardwood, Mo.,I recieved the standard at the time, air gun shots. One after the other in both arms at the same time. Don't recall seeing any cleaning between people. Never did IV drugs, not permiscous, no transfusions, but have hep c. I found out about my hep c by donating blood. At that time it didn't even have a name, they called it not A - not B. If all of my books had not been lost in a flood, I bet the guy before me, and the guy behind me have it as well.

was diagnosed jan 2006. retired from navy 1975. turned down from va for service conn. no proof was gotten in service. any ideas?

The vaccination guns used durring the late 60's and early 70's , the vials were changed as they emptied, the needles were changed when we started bleeding too much, the staff were not using antiseptic when using bloodied hands to remove the dull needles and replace them. We were run through what looked like what cattle go through.

i completed my AIT last june at knox and i was wondering if i contracted hep c, would they med. discharge me? i love the army its all i wont.

I have hep c stage one genotype 1b. I was on interferon for one and one half years. I have been discovering red spots on my skin. They are smooth at first, then become scale and dry. It does not itch. My gastro doctor does not want to see me for six months for my next liver panel. Since my liver doesn't function 100 % does it affect my skin because of the poison,

i am currently rated at 30%, which i received in 1999. i was discharged in 1970, where i had been in the newport naval hospital with hpatitis. i asked for retro. from then but i was turned down again. i had to get this in boot camp because i was sick right after t.hat i could use some help with my appeal or some advice.

I believe that I contracted HCV & HBV while an airman in the USAF. I was hospitalized in 1975 as a 9 day basic trainee with HBV at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland. I was given jetgun immunizations the day after I arrived at Basic. I recently tested positive for HCV. I'm Genotype 1, Stage 2 I have never used needles until I started Pegasys/Copegus 1 week ago. I have a tattoo that was done in 1982 by the only tattoo parlor (at the time) that was certified by the Minnesota Dept of Health. I have gone through the last 13 years with a miriad of symtoms that no one seemed to be able to link to anything until I saw a rheumatologist in May of this year and he sent me for a hep screen and LFT. Now I'm left with this potentially life-threatening disease a true lifetime away from the cause. How do you get that right in your head.!

My name is David I servrdon board the USS Enterprise CVN 65 from 1973-1976 and the USS Fredrick LST 1184 from 1977-1979. I wasjust diagnosed with HCV in Dec 05, and now in ESLD. Can anyone help me I have an appt. with Veterns service rep on October 11th 2006,I am currently being treated at the VA, they are totally denying my treatment as my viral count is low, and to make it worse the Doctor I wa seeing at The University of Cincinnati, was ready to start me on treatment, and they said at the VA my viral count was to low.When I e-mailed the Docter at University he e-mailed it to the VA, and they said, " Don't you want us to take care of you ?"I said yes, and they said that my body had fought it off and I have not had it for 30 years, which is totally contridicting to what the University of Cincinnati had said. Can I in fact get help from the VA at least for Service related ? If not I'm going to have to get SSI, and that's yet another Act of God. E-mail me someone please if you have any answers.Thank You, Dmk45044@hotmail.com David

I served in the Navy from 1972 to 1974 and we got the famous aigun injectors introduced to us 17 to 19 year olds in the first days at boot camp. I saw the corpsman (trainees) crank up the pressure in the guns and shoot serum across the room at others. They also failed to reajust the damn things and slashed recruits as well as leave knots the size of golballs on their arms! I thought I was lucky with just a small scratch until 6 years ago when by accident all my symptoms were finally explained I HAVE HEP C 4th STAGE. Man it is a relief that all the things that were occuring in my body had a explanation. I did the year of injections of interferon and all the other poisons they could think of and actually went into remmision, it came back 3 months later viral load 1,300.000 man I had no ideal this stuff was going to kill me, unless the VA steps up and approves me another chance that is what is going to happen...they say. My name is Jim Cormier and I have a 13 year old that is more mad about this than I am.

I was in the USMC from 1974 to 1981which include both active and reserve.I was in Viet Nam for a short period of time during the fall of Siagon.I have never had a transfusion or been an intervenious drug user.In 1983 my father who is a MD realized something was wrong with my liver enzymes after reviewing a routine blood test.Hep.C did not have a name or a way for screening for it at the time.Years later I was diagnosed and treated.My opinion is that I had many vaccines including a Hep A vaccine (gamaglobin)in the military .I also observed them giving these vaccines from one to another with a gun and remember seeing the guy that had it in front of me bleeding from the arm.I believe that either due to unsanitary means of vaccination or that the vaccinations included blood products I contracted the disease.

I received the airgun injections at Fort Knox during basic training in 1973. While I was stationed in Germany I started doing IV Drugs. I wound up having elevated liver enzymes and spent a week in the hospital at 97th General in Frankfurt having all different types of lab tests done, they were going to biopsy me but didn't. Did not think about it until I was having a physical to work at General Motors, I still had elevated liver enzymes. They said it was from alcohol and cirrhosis. Diagnosised in 1996 has having Hep C, been treated 3 times and had two biopsy. Every thing is in remission right now. So it could be the airgun and it might have been the IV Drugs but I used clean needles and sterile water every day from where I was assigned.

Here is one reason they dont want you to get monetary or medical compensation. VA employees get bonuses every year according to how much money they save the VA. Also the money for their raises and bonuses comes from the overall VA budget, so they know the more legitimate claims they turn down the more money is there for them. Most off these people have never even been in the military, just like our Congress and Senate represenatives, as well as ALL politicians have never been in the millitary. They do not care about we poor and / or drafted veterans. They want us to die and soon many vets with hepatitis will since most are Vietnam era vets. Then they will tell the country how many less veterans have hepatitis and that they are cureing us. DEATH is a cure for hepatitis! Burry my heart at Wounded Knee; Let my blood flow back to Tennessee. Moonturtle Shadowhawk of the great Cherokee Nation. Vietnam Veteran.

my name is James and i am vietnam vet i serviced the army when i was 17 years old ,between 70-79.i didn,t know that i had hepatitis c virus .i found out when i went to give blood at the red cross,then sending me a letter stating that i had the hep c virus and was told i can not give blood .i am now 51 and think that all vets should be given far treatment for this virus.i been reading all the statements and i think that now the vets that will be coming home,how will they be efected from this this hep c virus. army special forces keep strong my brothers God blees America and your families. JAMES LEVINE

I recently discovered I have hep c genotype 1B, chirrhosis of the liver stage 4. I too was shocked to find out I have this disease, especially considering the seperation physical I received during my retirement. I served from 1978 until 1998. I went through the air gun lines and received all the shots that were mandated. I also remember the blood trickling down my arm because of the air guns. I was the USS Independence, attached to VA-115. I don't know if this is where I contracted this disease, but I did receive a tatoo in Hong Kong. Either way, there'll be a shitload more guys out there with the virus, as I was in rather long lines for both events. Had the yellow fever shots as well. Since I have cirrhosis of the liver stage 4, I may be looking at a transplant. At least I'm here in Jacksonville where Shands Hospital and the Mayo clinic are. I found out I have hep C on May 22 and have yet to sit down and talk with the doctor about it. I had to go and retrieve my own liver biopsy results, as my TriCare appointed specialist is out of the country and won't be back until August 2, which is when I will see him. I'm about 10 miles from NAS Jax, but Tricare says their quota is full out at the Navy base. My entire career I was told that the military would "always take care of their" and that if I retired from the military, I would receive free medical until the day I died. Bullshit. I have to get insurance like everyone else. Thanks Navy. If the war gets to the point where you recall the Fleet Reserve, how about you just bite my ass?

I had a motorcycle accident in 1981 and went to the V.A. for treatment for a re-fracture of my left femer in 1984 at the V.A. in Ashville, N.C. is where I lost 7.2 cm of good bone in my left leg and I got the HVC there in a contaminated bag of blood that was given to me after surgery there. I've had a chapter 38 1151 claim put into the V.A. since then, they say that there is NO evidence of that. I think that I should be 100% service connected for their legligence for giving me the blood and taking out the bone that was in good shape too.

I believe that due to my exposure to recreational drugs while serving my country inc Panama from 1959 to 1963 contributed to my affliction with Hep-C. The availability of 99% pure herion was the drug that I searched for and longed for after an introduction to Morhphine due to a dislocated hip earlier on. I tried many drugs looking for the one that gave me that euphoric sitting on a cloud of screw the world and everything that goes with it. Ultimately ending in a sharing of needles with other lost souls....In those days the only health education was use a rubber for sex. But no one informed me of the disasterous effects of intravenous use of recreational drugs as they are called . There is no prophylactic for needles........I am still alive but no what is coming....My diet consists of beans, rice, and Jesus Christ.....And some fruits and vegatables....These are the only foods that don't cause my liver to complain......And the end picture is that I started this destructive behaviour with derivitives of Opium and will die under the influence of the drug that I now despise.....bobby

This is an E-mail with my hopes of some response because I need ALL help possible from my brothers and sisters in arms,and ANYONE can call me collect,and ANYONE knowing about any other Marines or service members from around 1968(please,any years,actually ,but ESPECIALLY 1968) ALSO PLEASE!!!contact me!!!!! .I honestly don`t have alot of fight left,or how long I have,so ANYONE`S help on this is greatly appreciated and needed.~~~Semper Fi,and my prayers are with all of us~Randy Renna, 892 S.Shore Rd., Northville,NY 12134 ph.518-863-1006 *** Victor,I filed a claim with Veterans Affairs and have gotten SO MANY letters that said `What we still need from you`,that I already know what they are before I open them,but the last one surprised me.`We are unable to obtain your records`.I spent 7 hours on the phone one day to Parris Island. Maryland Archives,and records division in St.Louis.Parris Island Medical said it was odd,because they NORMALLY kept records on the base,but certain records were ordered sent to St.Louis (so they could have the fire,I guess),that my service number was only 7 digits,and also,that I was`nt in the system any longer.(when I went to the VA and got my medical card,I realized that they never gave me my original DD214 back.I called, after looking through my paperwork,and they denied having it.Thank God I still have a few copiesnow,espescially with my records being what seems to be `erased`.~~~Randy ----------------- Forwarded Message: Subj: URGENT(I`m ANOTHER 1968 Marine with Hep) Date: 8/1/2006 4:56:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time From: Ran50x To: reddog4950@yahoo.com Victor,I was on Parris Island for boot in June /July 1968,H&SBt. My liver and kidneys FAILED in 1999,and I was diagnosed with advanced fibrosis,(4th stage)and advanced cirrhosis from Hep C, 1b .The blood test showed that I had ALSO had Hep B and had fought it off. I quit high school at 17 and joined(in EXCELLANT shape physically)and after the air injectors ,and everybody bleeding all over from them,and all the used needles and sticks,I feel I got it in boot camp,because a number of us got extremely sick over the next few weeks.We thought we were heat stroking out and I was so sick I was finally discharged,but when I got home ,my eyes were yellowing and I was starting to jaundice.At the time we knew NOTHING about hepatitus ,except from bad food.I went to a small time Doc and he said it was contagious and to stay away from people and it would go away,which it did ,`til the late `80`s and 90`s when the bloating and swelling started,the extreme fatigue and feeling sick all the time,and the horrible joint and muscle aches ,which has done nothing but worsen since my liver failure.I did recover,if you can call it that.In Oct. 2001,I fell and hit my hip and it turns out my blood had lost all clotting factors and my red blood cell count was under 3,and I proceeded to bleed out internally(over 3 1/2 units ) and turned black and blue from the waist down.(another air lift to the hospital and ALOT of vitamin K) I`ve been in end stage since 1999,and the doctors stated when they biopsied me,from the amount of damage,that I`d had it at least 30 years.(1999-1968~~~~~31 years).The have run me around for a year,and I don`t know how much time or how long I can keep fighting them ,but I`m at a brick wall ,and when I die ,which is inevitable at the condition I`m in,my wife will be left with NOTHING!!!They said the best hope I had was to try to locate other Marines with Hep C and you`r onethat was in in `68,like I was .I hope to GOD you`re still alive and can respond to this.The other strange factor about this is that ALL my records~ALL~ seem to have been lost,either in the fire in St.Louis or whatever,and now I`m NOT EVEN IN the system.Also,check your service number.Mine is 2401976,seven digits,NOT NINE,like everyone elses.Please contact me if you get this ,and if you know of any others that have it,have them please contact me.My prayers are with all my fighting brothers,in all branches,and God Bless. Randy Renna, 892 S.Shore Rd., Northville,NY 12134 ph. 518-86-1006

I was in the Army Reserve from 1970 to 1976 and had all the usual injections at basic, I remember being quite ill after one. I remember other immunizations at different times while on active duty. I had applied for an insurance policy back in 1992 and had high liver enzyme levels which ruled out the insurance I wished to obtain. My family doctor just blew off my concerns, I guess he thought I drank too much booze. I suffered what I thought was a gall bladder attack in 2003 and the blood tests taken then showed hep-c antibodys. I did not even try the VA because I figured it would be a waste of time and I did not want to take some other more deserving veteran's chance at an appointment. My health insurance through my employer thankfully covered everything. I had a "mild" case but very long term and has caused much damage, I figure I got HCV from the 1970 immunizations while in the Army. I took the treatment in 2004 on peg-intron and riboviron and am still suffering from them. I got all the usual side affects- flu symptoms, headaches, vision problems, paranoia, anger, you name it, it got it. I still suffer from confusion, fatigue, loss of memory, muscle aches, and general feelings of doom. My advice is to skip the intron treatments if you can.

In 1985, while in the military, I experienced a massive stomach bleed as the result of an ulcer. I was admitted to the Memphis VA hospital where I spent over a week in intensive care and received several transfusions. The bleed was stopped and ulcer treatment started. I was in good health from then until September, 2005, when I began experiencing swelling and intense pain in my stomach (I thought). I was diagnosed with liver failure from cirrhosis caused by hepC. I was told that a transplant was my only option, but my symptoms weren't severe enough to place me very high on the transplant list (?). Fortunately a friend volunteered to donate part of his liver, and the transplant was done in March, 2006. My doctors all feel that it was the VA transfusions that infected me with the hepC, and my disability claim with the VA is still pending.

I have filed once again for compensation for hepatitus that I believe I contacted in either boot camp or Vietnam. The contact was in boot camp due to jet gun injections of many marines with the same gun, a "food poisoning incident", they said, in which I was told 3 days later that I had been given blood, or in Vietnam several times when I cut myself in the human manure fertilised rice fields. I was turned down once and have filed again after a liver transplant. I was 45 when I was told that I had hepatitus for possibly 25 years or more, that put me back in boot camp or Vietnam. If any one can help me with info concerning the military and hepatitus, please help me to introduce new info into my claim. I was in Vietnam in 1968 and '69 with Hotel 2/5 in An Hoa. If you can help, Thanks.

1) Jet gun injections in the service 2) dental surgery in the field 3) put on detail picking up body parts after chopper crash.

i am a nam vet with hep c most likely contracted when i almost had my finger nail bitten off by a crazed fellow in ait at fort gordon ga. in july 1968-(long story). this incodent is documented in my military records by the doctor who treated me. i filed a claim for it along with a letter from 2 doctors who agree that that insodent is the cause of my cronic hep c. one of the doctors is my va hepatologist who treated me with a mega dose regiment of ri