Email to DVA SOP's & Links

Dear DVA, 

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to submit further information for my claim for compensation regarding birth defects related to spinal and hip deformities, which are directly connected to my father’s service in the Vietnam War and his exposure to Agent Orange, I will forward the Military Service Record for Sapper XYZ in a separate email. 

I am having a CT scan at 11:40 this morning for my Spina Bifida which I will forward to as soon as I receive it. 

This claim is based on SOP No. 19 of 2016, which acknowledges a direct connection between Agent Orange exposure and birth defects in the children of veterans. Specifically, I am seeking compensation for the following:

• Skeletal Abnormalities: spinal abnormalities I have are consistent with the types of congenital defects identified in the SOP and linked to Agent Orange exposure.

Please note the birth defects I have found in my existing medical records are from this decade as I am unable to confirm if my mother had an ultrasound when pregnant with me in 1974 as this technology wasn’t widely available then. 

In addition I have included all medical imaging reports for the past 15 years that I copied & translated into conditions that are easily understood through Chat GPT & connected them all to relevant SOP’s and a description of the link to Agent Orange & dioxide to assist with understanding the extent of my actual health & total permanent incapacity. 

Danielle Health Conditions linked to Dioxin Exposure 

Condition: Bertolotti’s Syndrome (Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra with Pseudoarticulation)

Report Date: 23 March 2019

Source: My Health Record (digital)

Summary

• Birth defect: Partial sacralisation of L5 (congenital spinal abnormality).

• L5 partially fused to sacrum, creating a false joint (pseudoarticulation).

• Contributes to chronic lower back pain and nerve issues.

Medical Notes/Terminology:

• L2/3: Minor disc bulge, no stenosis.

• L3/4: Mild disc bulge, mild facet degeneration.

• L4/5: Broad-based disc protrusion, L5 nerve root compression.

• L5/S1: Normal disc, moderate facet degeneration.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Dioxin exposure can cause spinal developmental defects, contributing to Bertolotti’s Syndrome and associated pain.

Relevant SOPs:

• Lumbar Spondylosis – No. 5 of 2020

• Intervertebral Disc Prolapse – No. 26 of 2015

• Congenital Anomalies – No. 19 of 2016 (if sacralisation linked to birth defect)

Condition: Dupuytren’s Contracture

Report Date: 5 September 2019

Source: My Health Record (digital)

Summary:

• Thickening tissue in palm, causing finger bending.

• Linked to connective tissue changes.

• Dioxin exposure may contribute.

Medical Notes:

• Involves palmar fascia.

• Can cause contracture of fingers.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Dioxin affects collagen and connective tissue, possibly contributing to this condition.

Relevant SOP:

• Dupuytren’s Contracture – No. 24 of 2014 (Reasonable Hypothesis)

Condition: Lumbarisation of S1 and Degenerative Disc Changes

Report Date: 26 May 2020

Source: My Health Record (digital)

Summary:

• Birth defect: Lumbarisation of S1 – the first sacral bone (S1) has features resembling a lumbar vertebra, a congenital condition.

• Lumbar tilt and pelvic tilt: The upper part of the lumbar spine tilts slightly to the left, causing the left side of the pelvis to be higher.

• Degenerative changes:

• Disc degeneration at L5/S1 and L4/5, with loss of disc height and vacuum (air trapped inside).

• Osteophyte formation at the L5 vertebra, potentially narrowing the spinal canal and affecting nerves.

• Straightening of lumbar lordosis: The normal curve of the lower back is reduced, but the alignment is still considered satisfactory.

• Normal hips and sacroiliac joints: No abnormalities found in the hip joints.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Lumbarisation of S1 is a congenital birth defect, and the degenerative disc changes are related to spinal wear over time. These conditions are linked to the effects of dioxin exposure, which disrupts normal bone and tissue development.

Relevant SOP:

• Degenerative Disc Disease – No. 45 of 2018 (Reasonable Hypothesis)

• Spinal Canal Stenosis – No. 2 of 2019 (Reasonable Hypothesis)

Condition: Osteoarthritis in Hands and Wrists, Finger Deformity

Report Date: 28 January 2022

Source: My Health digital

Summary:

• Index finger deformity 

• X-ray:

• Joint space loss in the thumb and wrist.

• Deformity in the index finger joint with hardening.

• Ultrasound:

• Osteoarthritis in finger joints.

• Tendons normal.

• Left index finger shows similar changes.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Joint changes linked to dioxin exposure.

Relevant SOP:

• Osteoarthritis – No. 45 of 2018 (Reasonable Hypothesis)

Condition: Mild Soft Tissue in Right Ear, Balance Issues

Report Date: 23 April 2024

Source: My Health digital

Summary:

• There is mild soft tissue near the right ear, but no infection or fluid buildup.

• Bulging veins near both ears, more noticeable on the right side.

• There are small openings in the inner ear, which might affect balance.

• A small issue with a vein in the left ear area.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• These changes in the inner ear and veins linked to dioxin exposure, which could affect balance and ear function.

Relevant SOP:

• Ear and Balance Issues – No. 45 of 2018 (Reasonable Hypothesis)

Condition: Disc Herniations, Disc Dehydration, Mild Arthritis

Report Date: 26 August 2011

Source: email

Summary:

• L2-3:

• Slight drying out of the disc.

• Small tear in the disc with a tiny bulge pressing on the area around the spinal cord.

• L3-4:

• Tear in the disc with a small bulge pressing on the area around the spinal cord.

• L4-5:

• Larger disc bulge with some drying out of the disc.

• Minor swelling of the bone where the disc sits.

• L5-S1:

• Mild arthritis in the joint between the vertebrae.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• The disc bulges and tears could be related to long-term dioxin exposure, which might contribute to spinal issues over time.

Relevant SOP:

• Disc Herniation/Spinal Degeneration – No. 14 of 2016 (Reasonable Hypothesis)

Condition: Mild Scoliosis and Disc Degeneration

Report Date: 22/07/2010

Source: Bolsover Radiology

Summary:

• Mild scoliosis with a right convexity in the lumbar spine and a left convexity in the lower thoracic spine.

• Disc degeneration at L4/5 and L5/S1 with reduced disc space and some endplate sclerosis.

• Schmorl’s node formation, particularly prominent at the lower T8 endplate.

• Mild endplate irregularity in the lower thoracic spine.

• Normal appearance of the I11/12 vertebral bodies.

• Sacroiliac joints are unremarkable.

• No spondylolisthesis observed.

Medical Notes:

• Schmorl’s node: Herniation of disc material into the vertebrae, common in degenerative disc conditions.

• Mild scoliosis: Slight curve in the spine, no major deformity.

• Endplate sclerosis: Thickening or hardening of the bone at the edge of vertebrae, indicating possible degeneration.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure: Potential connection to long-term disc degeneration.

Relevant SOPs: Not applicable.

Condition: Degenerative Joint Changes in Right Hand

Report Date: 14/08/2024

Source: Central Queensland Radiology, Rockhampton

Summary:

• Right Index Finger: Moderate/severe degenerative changes at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.

• Right Ring Finger: Moderate degenerative changes at the DIP joint.

• Mild degenerative changes in several other interphalangeal joints of the fingers and the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb.

• No periarticular osseous erosion (no bone erosion near the joints).

• Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints: Appear preserved (no major issues).

• No soft tissue swelling or calcification around the fingers.

Medical Notes:

• Degenerative joint changes indicate wear and tear, possibly linked to chronic stress or long-term conditions.

• No destructive bone lesions indicate that no bones around the joints are damaged.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure: Potential link to chronic conditions and autoimmune disorders that can cause joint degeneration.

Relevant SOPs: Not applicable

Condition: Degenerative Joint Changes in Hands and Feet

Report Date: 14/08/2024

Source: Central Queensland Radiology, Rockhampton

Summary:

• Left Index Finger: Moderate/severe degenerative changes, gull-wing deformity suggestive of inflammatory arthritis.

• Mild changes in other left hand joints.

• Right Foot: Minor degeneration in the 1st MP joint.

• Left Foot: Normal joint alignment, no bone damage.

Medical Notes:

• Gull-wing deformity points to possible inflammatory arthritis.

• Degeneration in hands and feet suggests wear and tear or inflammation.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure: Inflammatory arthritis could be linked to dioxin exposure, affecting immune response and inflammation.

Relevant SOPs: Not applicable.

Condition: Gull-wing deformity

Report Date: 14/08/2024

Source: Central Queensland Radiology

• Summary:

• Gull-wing deformity noted in the left index finger’s distal interphalangeal joint.

• Associated with inflammatory arthritis, likely rheumatoid arthritis.

• Other joints show mild to moderate degenerative changes.

• Medical Notes:

• Inflammatory changes in the left index finger joint.

• No significant bone erosion or destructive lesions.

• Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and joint deformities can be linked to environmental exposures, though further evaluation needed.

• Relevant SOPs:

• SOP Name/Number (if applicable).

Condition: Chronic joint pain and stiffness (likely rheumatoid arthritis)

Report Date: 14/08/2024

Source: Central Queensland Radiology

• Summary:

• Right Hand:

• Moderate/severe degenerative change at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the right index finger.

• Moderate degenerative change at the DIP joint of the right ring finger.

• Minor to mild degenerative changes in other interphalangeal joints and the IP joint of the thumb.

• No periarticular osseous erosion or destructive bone lesions.

• Metacarpophalangeal joints preserved.

• No soft tissue swelling or calcification in the digits.

• Left Hand:

• Moderate/severe degenerative change at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the left index finger.

• Gull-wing deformity suggestive of inflammatory arthritis.

• Minor to mild degenerative changes in other distal interphalangeal joints.

• No periarticular osseous erosion or destructive bone lesions.

• Metacarpophalangeal joints preserved.

• No soft tissue swelling or calcification in the digits.

• Right Foot:

• Minor degenerative change in the 1st MTP joint.

• No other significant degenerative changes.

• Joint alignment within normal limits.

• Medical Notes:

• Gull-wing deformity indicative of inflammatory arthritis, potentially linked to rheumatoid arthritis.

• Mild degenerative changes in hands and feet.

• Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and joint degeneration linked to dioxin exposure, a known environmental factor contributing to autoimmune conditions.

• Relevant SOPs:

• SOP Name/Number (if applicable).

Condition: Birth Defects & Lumbar Spine Degeneration

Report Date: 26 May 2020

Source: X-ray Lumbosacral Spine and Pelvis

Medical Notes:

• Spinal Canal Stenosis: Possible narrowing at L5/S1, potentially affecting nerve function.

• Congenital Abnormalities: Possible connection to spina bifida or other congenital defects.

• No Hip Issues: The bilateral hips are normal, with no signs of degeneration.

Summary:

• Birth Defects & Structural Abnormalities:

• Pelvic Tilt: Left side of the pelvis is higher, contributing to a possible leg length discrepancy.

• Lumbar Tilt: Mild lumbar tilt, with no significant scoliosis noted.

• Transitional Change: Lumbarisation of the first sacral vertebra, with a diminutive upper portion of the right sacral ala, indicative of congenital spine abnormalities.

• Rudimentary S1/S2 Disc Space: Suggesting developmental issues at the lumbosacral junction.

• Degenerative Changes:

• L5/S1 Disc: Advanced degenerative disc height loss with intradiscal vacuum formation.

• L4/5 Disc: Lesser degree of disc height loss noted.

• Osteophyte Formation: Marginal osteophyte at L5, potentially contributing to spinal canal stenosis.

• Alignment:

• Straightened Lumbar Lordosis: Straightening observed, but overall sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine remains satisfactory.

• Hip and Pelvic Joints:

• No significant joint changes: Bilateral hip and sacroiliac joint spaces remain preserved and normal.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Potential Link to Birth Defects: The congenital structural abnormalities in the lumbar and sacral spine may be linked to environmental or chemical exposure, particularly dioxin, as seen in Vietnam veterans and their descendants.

Relevant SOPs:

• SOP for Spina Bifida: Potential connection to historical or familial health issues related to dioxin exposure.

• SOP for Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative changes at L4/5 and L5/S1 could be linked to long-term exposure to environmental toxins, including dioxins.

Condition: Cervical Spine Degeneration & Radiculopathy

Report Date: 21 September 2020

Source: MRI Cervical Spine

Medical Notes:

• C3/C4: Disc narrowing, shallow posterior bulge, no significant protrusion.

• C4/C5: Disc narrowing, right paracentral disc/osteophyte complex, mild neural canal narrowing.

• C6/C7: Disc desiccation, shallow posterior disc/osteophyte complex, no significant compression.

• T3: Incidental haemangioma involving the T3 vertebral body.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Spinal Degeneration: Could be linked to long-term exposure to dioxins.

Relevant SOPs:

• Spinal Degenerative Disease: May be linked to toxic exposure.

• Radiculopathy: Potential nerve compression or degeneration.

Condition: Degenerative changes in lumbar spine

Report Date: 02/06/2020

Source: CT Lumbar Spine

Summary:

• L4/5 Level:

• Moderate osteophytic narrowing of the left-sided neural canal (potential left L4 nerve root compromise).

• Shallow calcified posterior disc protrusion.

• Associated vertebral endplate changes.

• L5/S1 Level:

• Transitional vertebra with left-sided transverse process articulating with the sacrum.

• Moderate degenerative changes in the left-sided facet joint.

• Ovary:

• Bilobed cyst arising from the right ovary (unrelated to spinal issues).

Medical Notes:

• Degenerative disc disease and disc desiccation noted at L4/L5 with associated narrowing and disc protrusion.

• Progressive narrowing of the neural canal, particularly at the left side, may indicate nerve root involvement.

• Anatomical changes at L5/S1, including the transitional vertebra, could result in altered mechanics and additional strain on surrounding structures.

Relevance to Dioxin Exposure:

• Dioxin exposure may contribute to the overall degenerative changes observed in the lumbar spine, but these findings are more indicative of chronic wear and tear.

Relevant SOPs:

• Refer to Statement of Principles regarding degenerative disc disease and potential nerve root involvement.

Please find attached the medical imaging reports with the birth defect related to my claim for a TPI Pension, a Gold Health Card card & compensation for 50 years of unmeasurable pain & suffering. 

I am happy to provide any additional medical imaging reports you may wish to view in relation to my claim 

Please let me know if you require any further information about anything over the past 50 years, or even the Vietnam War, my knowledge is endless & very recent. 

Thank you for your time 

Kind Regards