Minister for Veterans' Affairs

18th March 2025

The Hon Matt Keogh MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Minister for Defence Personnel

Parliament House

Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Minister Keogh,

Re: Request for Support Regarding Second-Generation Health Impacts from Agent Orange Exposure

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to seek your assistance and to bring attention to my case regarding the health issues I am experiencing due to my father’s exposure to Agent Orange during his service in the 17th Construction Squadron from December 1969 to December 1970 during the Vietnam War. As you may be aware, Agent Orange exposure has been linked to a variety of health complications for veterans, and there is increasing concern regarding its impact on their children, who may suffer from health issues as a result of second-generation exposure.

During this period, 1969 to 1970, when my father served in Vietnam, was considered one of the worst times for exposure to Agent Orange, as it was extensively used to clear foliage and vegetation. My father was involved in activities such as bulldozing foliage, building bridges and roads, which subjected him to significant ground exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. This direct exposure is believed to have contributed to a range of health problems for him, and I believe it may have also affected me.

Specifically, my mother experienced a miscarriage five months after my birth, which I believe may be related to my father’s exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, a condition that has caused significant pain, weakness, and numbness, particularly in my hands and feet, Dupuytren’s Contracture, a condition that causes the fingers to contract, limiting movement, Radiculopathy, which has caused radiating pain and numbness, particularly in my back and legs, Musculoskeletal Disorder, which affects my joints and muscles, Dermoid Tumor, which was found during medical examination, Degenerative Disc Disease, which has caused ongoing back pain and limited mobility, and PTSD, which I believe could be indirectly linked to the generational trauma of my father’s exposure to Agent Orange and the impact it has had on my health and life. I understand that Peripheral Neuropathy, Dupuytren’s Contracture, Radiculopathy, Musculoskeletal Disorder, Dermoid Tumor, Degenerative Disc Disease, and PTSD can all be linked to toxic chemical exposure, including Agent Orange, and I believe that my conditions may be related to my father’s service in Vietnam.

I have already submitted an application to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), but I have been informed that the DVA will not process my application because the form I completed is not deemed relevant to my specific case. Furthermore, the DVA has sent me a generic response and has refused to acknowledge me or my case, leaving me frustrated and without a clear path forward in seeking the recognition and support I believe I am entitled to.

Since these issues have caused significant personal and health challenges for me and my family, I am seeking your assistance in determining whether any support or compensation options may be available through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) or related channels.

I am aware that Agent Orange exposure has been recognized as a health concern for Australian veterans, but there is limited acknowledgment and support for second-generation health issues resulting from this exposure. I would greatly appreciate your support in raising awareness of this issue and ensuring that I and others in similar situations receive the appropriate care and assistance.

I kindly request that your office review my case and provide guidance on how I can proceed with any necessary steps to pursue recognition, support, or compensation for the potential health effects I have experienced due to my father’s exposure. If any additional documentation or information is required, I am happy to provide it at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and sincerely hope for your assistance in resolving this issue.

Yours sincerely,

Danielle