CA Army/Air National Guard (1960s/1970s) | Fort Ord & Tachikawa Air Base | Protective Coating Specialist; Heavy Weapons Infantryman
Moderate-to-strong if framed as a direct-exposure/solvent case tied to Fort Ord contamination and duties handling paints/solvents and weapons cleaners. Multiple BVA grants show Parkinson's disease (PD) linked to TCE/solvents and Fort Ord exposure when supported by credible lay/MOS evidence and a strong medical nexus.
Primary: Direct service connection for PD caused by chronic exposure to organic solvents (e.g., TCE/PCE/MEK/benzene, paint/degreasers, JP fuels) in duties as a Protective Coating Specialist and heavy weapons cleaner, and by environmental exposure at Fort Ord (documented contamination). Alternate: If applicable, ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA exposure during Guard service with documented duties using solvents.
Service connection can be granted when credible evidence shows in-service exposure and a competent nexus links that exposure to PD. The Board has repeatedly granted PD where TCE/solvent exposure was established by MOS/duty evidence and neurology opinions (e.g., A21003064; A22024830; A22025461; A22018788). Literature-supported opinions addressing latency are persuasive.
BVA has granted PD based on Fort Ord environmental contamination (TCE/solvents) when presence at Fort Ord and a nexus were shown (18154101; 1531465). Submitting base contamination summaries and dates of presence, paired with a neurologist's opinion, has proven effective.
Diseases incurred due to exposures during ACDUTRA or injuries during INACDUTRA can be service connected if disability resulted from those periods. The Board has recognized PD caused by exposures during ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA when duties involved solvents and a strong nexus was provided (A21006943; 1447756). Precise duty dates and duty-toxicity linkage are key.
Claims premised on unverified Vietnam/Thailand/Korea exposure often fail without corroboration (24000217; 22065596; A25002394). Focus on facts-found solvent exposure consistent with MOS and place/time circumstances (38 U.S.C. § 1154(a)), rather than difficult-to-prove herbicide or radiation theories at Tachikawa.
Most probative nexus opinions come from neurologists specialized in movement disorders, with accurate facts, clear rationale, and citations to solvent-PD literature (Nieves-Rodriguez). Opinions should address latency (decades), lack of family history, dose/proximity, and why service exposures outweigh post-service factors (A22025461; A22024830; A21003064).
Summary: PD granted – Fort Ord water
Facts: Army Veteran stationed at Fort Ord; Board accepted contamination evidence and a VA Chief of Neurology nexus stating TCE exposure led to PD.
Insights: Submit Fort Ord contamination documentation and a specialist nexus explicitly tying TCE exposure to PD with latency discussion.
Summary: PD granted – Fort Ord toxins
Facts: Post-service PD; credible evidence of Fort Ord toxin exposure; treating physicians linked PD to service chemical exposures.
Insights: Use treating clinicians' letters referencing Fort Ord chemical lists (TCE, heavy metals) and explain occupational exposure mechanics.
Summary: PD granted – aircraft solvents
Facts: Aircraft electrical repairman used carbon tetrachloride/TCE; VA and private neuro opinions linked PD to these solvents.
Insights: Corroborate solvent use through MOS duties and cleaning practices; obtain neurology nexus citing TCE risk studies.
Summary: PD granted – radar TCE use
Facts: Radar repairman used TCE/PCE to clean circuit boards; private MD tied PD to TCE exposure despite no Vietnam service.
Insights: Provide industrial hygiene context for TCE in electronics/maintenance; show lack of PPE and frequent immersion/contact.
Summary: PD granted – Guard solvents
Facts: KS Army National Guard tank crew used solvents/degreasers for gun barrels; multiple neurology experts linked exposures to PD.
Insights: For Guard claims, map exposures to ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA periods and include expert opinions on decades-long latency.
Summary: AO exposure verification remand
Facts: Veteran alleged exposure at Korea/Lockbourne; Board remanded for verification (Osan/Kunsan, C-123 handling).
Insights: If pursuing any herbicide theory, request MRRC/AFHRA searches, identify AFSC/squadrons, and submit unit histories; but prioritize solvent-based theory for faster success.
Summary: Tachikawa AO claim denied
Facts: No verified TDY to Vietnam from Tachikawa; neurologic disorder (incl. PD) not linked to service.
Insights: Avoid unverified Vietnam TDY arguments from Japan; emphasize solvent exposure consistent with MOS and local contamination instead.
Summary: PD denied – AO/radiation
Facts: Board rejected conceded TERA after records showed no qualifying exposure; PD claim failed without proven exposure.
Insights: Do not rely on generic TERA memos; anchor the claim to documented MOS tasks and base-specific contamination, plus a robust nexus.
Summary: Blue Water exposure denied
Facts: Ship logs placed vessel outside 12nm; AO presumption not met; PD denied.
Insights: If no presumptive location, use direct-causation solvent path; ship/base logs can defeat AO claims absent precise proof.
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