VETERANS SERVICES
The main objective of the Veterans Service Office is to provide prevention, protection, advocacy and support services to veterans and their families so they can maximize their quality of life, well-being and potential. The La Plata County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) provides information and assistance to veterans and their families. There is a wide range of benefits available for our nation’s veterans. Every veteran is encouraged to contact the CVSO to find out more about their VA benefits. Your CVSO can assist you in any matter pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs. These services are free of charge. Please visit the La Plata County web site at http://www.co.laplata.co.us/ for more information about what the La Plata County Veterans Service Office can do for you.
The La Plata County Veterans Service Office is co-located with the Durango VA Clinic at 1970 E. 3rd Avenue, Suite 102, Durango, CO. 81301. For clinic appointments, call 970-247-2214. The Veterans Service Office phone number is 970-759-0117. Office hours are 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5 pm, Monday – Friday, except holidays, and appointments are encouraged. Call (970) 382-6150 to schedule an appointment with the Veterans Service Office.
C-123 AIRCRAFT AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has determined that a select group of Air Force and Air Force Reserve personnel were exposed to herbicides through regular and repeated duties as ground, flight, or medical crew members on contaminated Operation Ranch Hand (ORH) C-123 aircraft that were used to spray Agent Orange in Vietnam.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any Air Force Veteran or Air Force Reservist who was assigned to one of the affected Reserve or active duty units as a ground, flight, or medical crew member on a contaminated aircraft and later developed a disability that has been linked to Agent Orange exposure should file a claim. VA has information indicating that few Air Force units (active duty and Reserve) had one or more of the contaminated aircraft during the period 1969 through 1986 (depending upon unit of assignment). VA compiled a list of these units and the dates on which they had the aircraft, which is publicly available at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/locations/residue-c123-aircraft/index.asp
WHO TO CONTACT AT DOD FOR RECORDS?
If you are a Veteran or next-of-kin of a deceased Veteran, you may now use vetrecs.archives.gov to order a copy of your military records. For all others, your request is best made using a Standard Form 180. It includes complete instructions for preparing and submitting requests. Please Note: All requests must be in writing, signed and mailed to the following address:
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63138
HOW CAN YOU APPLY?
Claimants are encouraged to apply online through the eBenefits portal. You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension, or VA Form 21-526EZ, Fully Developed Claim (Compensation). Please ensure that each C-123 related disability is specifically annotated (e.g., Diabetes/C-123) on Part II, Block 14 of VA Form 21-526, or Section I, Block 11 of VA Form 21-526EZ. If you have any of the following material, please submit it with your application:
- Discharge, separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
- USAF Form 2096 (unit where assigned at the time of the training action)
- USAF Form 5 (aircraft flight duties)
- USAF Form 781 (aircraft maintenance duties)
- Dependency records (marriage & children’s birth certificates)
- Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)
HOW DO ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS AND DEPENDENTS APPLY?
Eligible survivors and dependents can apply for DIC, Death Pension & Accrued Benefits by Surviving Spouse or Child by filling out VA Form 21-534EZ, Fully Developed Claim (Survivors Benefits). Please ensure “C-123 claim” is annotated on Section I, Block 7 of VA Form 21-534 or Section I, Block 16 of VA Form 21-534EZ.
HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Contact your local County veterans service officer for more information and assistance in filing your claims. All C-123 claims are processed at the St. Paul Regional Office. Veterans can call 1-800-749-8387, or email VSCC123.VAVBASPL@va.gov.