However, after all was said and done, the lawyers for the veterans agreed to a remarkably small settlement, just before trial, that outraged the veterans, but the federal judge hearing the case refused to set it aside as unconscionable.
As I remember it was 85 million?
I was a member of the origional group to sue,
the judge made it a class action.
Oh how the lawyers cried when the judge told them
they were not going to get what they wanted out of
the settlement. He appointed a “special Master” to
deal with the settlement.
In the end, the veterans got little or nothing, one of
the guys I knew in the beginning died and the settlement
sent his family two thousand dollars. I got nothing, as
the settlement org decided I didn’t qualify.
I even got the spray path computer print outs from
the Pentagon that showed exposure but no dice.
The VA later recognized a presumption of exposure
but still doesn’t recognize my type of cancer.
When they do, I suppose I will apply for retroactive
recognition to when I first applied in 85, but don’t
hold out much hope of that. At this point what difference
does it make, as someone once said.
Thanks for your service.
Our service NOW is to make sure those serving today
get the thanks and recognition they deserve.
t.
Veterans cite lingering peril of Agent Orange