VA Official Says Agent Orange Risks are Exaggerated

Jim Sampsel, a lead analyst within the Department of Veterans Affairs’ compensation service, has downplayed the risks of  Agent Orange exposure and questioned the findings of scientists, journalists and a federal administrative tribunal that conflict with his views. He told a VA advisory committee in March that he believes much of the renewed attention to Agent Orange risks are exaggerated and the result of media “hype” and “hysteria,” according to a transcript of the meeting released to ProPublica.

• Sampsel claims that Veterans who served outside Vietnam were not exposed to Agent Orange and that claims of it were “media hype.”
• Sampsel criticized the Board of Veterans decisions granting claims for Agent Orange claiming that the judges are misinformed.
• Sampsel criticized the prestigious Institute of Medicine, a congressional chartered research organization hired by the VA, which in 2015 determined that evidence suggested a group of Air Force reservists could have been exposed to Agent Orange years after the Vietnam War when they flew aboard the C-123 planes that had been used to spray the herbicide.  See Full Article.

If you are a Vietnam Veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange and needs assistance with a VA benefits claim, we are here to help. Call Veterans Help Group at 855-855-8992 or complete our free veterans benefits case evaluation form.