Request for SOP Confirmation and Status

Request for SOP Confirmation and Status of 2016 Birth Defects SOP — Second-Generation TCDD Exposure

Dear RMA SOP Team, 

I am writing to formally request clarification regarding which Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) apply to my medical conditions, which a private medical practitioner has linked to second-generation exposure to TCDD (dioxin), the toxic contaminant in Agent Orange.

I have been diagnosed with approximately 18 serious conditions. Many of these are consistent with international research into congenital, neurological, musculoskeletal, and systemic outcomes in the children of Vietnam veterans exposed to TCDD.

I understand that the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) developed a Birth Defects SOP in 2016, which is no longer listed publicly. I would appreciate an explanation as to what happened to that SOP and whether its removal affects eligibility or recognition for those of us impacted by intergenerational exposure.

Below, I have listed my health conditions with the relevant SOP(s) I believe may apply. I respectfully request confirmation or correction of these associations and advice on next steps:

1. 

Spinal Disorders and Structural Deformities

• Conditions:

  
  

  • Degenerative disc disease (L4–S1)

  • Bulging and torn discs

  • Lumbar scoliosis (onset in adulthood)

  • Extra vertebra

  • Underdeveloped sacral ala

  • Spinal stenosis

  • Loss of tendon reflexes

  
  

• Likely SOP:

  
  

  • Spinal Disc Herniation SOP

  • Lumbar Spondylosis SOP

  • Degenerative Disc Disease SOP

  
  

2. 

Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Conditions:

  
  

  • Peripheral neuropathy

  • Muscle wasting and weakness

  • Right hip dysplasia and alignment problems

  • Leg length discrepancy

  • Dupuytren’s contracture

  
  

• Likely SOP:

  
  

  • Peripheral Neuropathy SOP

  • Motor Neurone Disease SOP

  • Soft Tissue Disorders SOP

  • Osteoarthritis SOP

  
  

3. 

Skeletal and Joint Disorders

• Conditions:

  
  

  • Osteoarthritis (spine, hands, feet, hips)

  • Early-onset joint degeneration

  • Chronic shin splints and knee pain from childhood

  
  

• Likely SOP:

  
  

  • Osteoarthritis SOP

  • Overuse Injury SOP

  • Stress Fracture SOP

  
  

4. 

Developmental and Congenital Disorders

• Conditions:

  
  

  • Feeding issues in infancy

  • Failure to thrive

  • Learning difficulties (particularly with reading/spelling)

  • Chronic constipation since birth

  
  

• Likely SOP:

  
  

  • Congenital Abnormality/Birth Defects SOP (2016 SOP?)

  • Intellectual Disability or Learning Disorder SOP

  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder SOP

  
  

5. 

Autoimmune and Systemic Inflammatory Disorders

• Conditions:

  
  

  • Suspected autoimmune involvement

  • Persistent inflammation and pain not explained by injury alone

  
  

• Likely SOP:

  
  

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) SOP (if applicable)

  • Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease SOP

  • Chronic Pain Syndrome SOP

  
  

6. 

Mental Health and Cognitive Impact

• Conditions:

  
  

  • PTSD

  • Chronic anxiety and depression

  • Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction

  
  

• Likely SOP:

  
  

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder SOP

  • Depressive Disorder SOP

  • Anxiety Disorder SOP

  • Acquired Brain Injury or Cognitive Disorder SOP

  
  

7. 

Reproductive and Endocrine Health

• Conditions:

  
  

  • Reproductive complications (including issues post-childbirth)

  • Hormonal irregularities suspected in adolescence

  
  

• Likely SOP:

  
  

  • Reproductive Health SOP

  • Endocrine Disorder SOP (e.g. for hormone imbalance)

  
  

8. 

Other Conditions

• Conditions:

  
  

  • Frequent childhood ear infections (grommets required)

  • Recurrent tonsillitis

  
  

• Likely SOP:

  
  

  • Otitis Media SOP

  • Tonsillitis SOP

  
  

These conditions are documented through a combination of childhood medical records and adult diagnoses. A private practitioner has formally acknowledged that my health profile is consistent with second-generation TCDD exposure. They are available for professional confirmation and have provided clinical rationale tying my presentation to international evidence on the intergenerational effects of dioxin.

Given the breadth of my health issues, the known teratogenicity and mutagenicity of TCDD, and emerging data from other countries on second-generation harm, it seems medically and ethically appropriate that my case be formally recognized under the relevant SOPs.

Could you please advise:

1. Which of the SOPs listed above are correct or if others apply?

2. What happened to the 2016 Birth Defects SOP and why it is no longer accessible?

3. Whether my diagnosis and health history qualify under any current SOPs for children of Vietnam veterans?

With 18+ significant, often early-onset or congenital conditions, it is difficult to explain my case without acknowledging the probable impact of in-utero and postnatal TCDD exposure. I respectfully request full transparency regarding my eligibility and rights under these SOPs.

Medical Professionals contact details. 

Doctor Maseeha Quadri

PH 07 4926 9199 

North Rockhampton Medical Centre

158 Kerrigan Street, Frenchville,

 Qld 4701

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm Agent Orange Burns regards,

Danielle Stevens

Oh 0411838313

We will always be a child of a Vietnam Veteran.

https://agentorangechild.wixsite.com/agent-orange-child