Hello All,

I was stationed in Cat Lo, RVN in 1967-68 COSDIV 13 the Black Cat Fleet. I was a 2nd Class Engineman. Main boat of operation was the 32 Boat, rode 23, 24 & 42 boat as needed in relief of injured personnel.

I recently filed a claim through the VA for compensatation for spinal injuries resulting from the severe skeletal impact we experienced while on patrol in RVN when we would transit areas at high speeds to work off of mother ships or just chasing contacts. I have recently been diagnosed with Advanced Osteoarthritis of the spine. I have two disc's in my neck and two in my lower back that are gone. I now have to live on pain killers and muscle relaxers for the rest of my life.

I am interested in finding out if any of my Brother Swift Sailors have experienced the same problems. If so I would like to hear from them. The VA has denied my claim as not service related. I plan to challange their decision but I need amunition to do so. Any help would be appreciated.

Duke Pethes