I'm retired 28 years Air Force. I'm fighting for the 3rd time lymphoma, this time a 5cm mass under my right collarbone, a 25 daily shot of radiation - Dr's seem confident of this path of treatment and I agree.

I served in Saudi and Aghanistan. One of my duties was ensuring out of date classified materials were destroyed by burning, which we did weekly when Haji wasn't on the compound to see what we doing.

Where I'm heading with all this - is there a link between me burning papers, mylar tape, and CD's and the cancer. I'm aware of the "Burning Pits", what do I need to convince the VA that there is "presumption of service connection"?

Thanks in advance for and thoughts/ideas you have on this topic.

It is possible, sgshoemake.

Btw, love your town and the airport.

You need a VA disability attorney. Let me explain how the process starts. The attorney will request a retainer fee. Sometimes more, sometimes less. By law, the fee cannot be paid by/from you. So that means that someone else has to come up with the fee and pay it. The competent attorney will advice you of this upfront. SOP.

As in everything, there are good ones and not-so-good ones. A referral from someone who has utilized the lawyer's services is a must. Unfortunately, I have lost contact with a friend who handled those cases so I'm not able to guide you in that regard. Heck, I don't even remember his last name. But I do remember that about a decade ago he was asking for a $300.00 retainer. That'll give you an idea. And he was good.

But ask around, it's not like there are but a few vets with disabilities in Newport News.

Very best

ETA: If I manage to contact my friend, I'll ask him and let you know. However, be mindful that I've been trying to recollect his contact info for a while now.