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Canadian Airborne Jump-Masters Dying of Cancer
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For Jim Hutton:
I was sent by Canadian Forces to CFB Edmonton in 1977, where I qualified at CABC as a basic Parachutist and received CF Paratrooper's Wings. My Jump-Masters were Sgt. Jimmy Buffet (RCR), Warrant Officer Roger Scully (PPCLI), and Sgt. Leo McGrath (Royal 22nd/ "Van Doo"), all of whom were members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment. When you check their Obituaries on-line - which I did - you will note that all three died from Cancer, all being in their late sixties. I believe that all three were exposed to "something" while serving in Airborne, which killed them. Unrelated, In 2015 I was sent to Operational Stress Injury Clinic where I was diagnosed with PTSD from a 1977 jeep accident where my actions were recommended for decoration. I would like to know what happened to Buffet, Scully and McGrath?
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Darrell Knight (Cpl., retired)
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Answer: If you have any information on Buffet, Scully and McGrath you can post it here and we will forward it to Darrell
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Veterans with Lung Cancer
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Hi there, I saw your organization mentioned in a CBC article (So things must be working!), and I wanted to reach out to mention how the process seems rather overwhelming from the start, and likely not positive, based on the amount of rejected claims. I haven't started a claim for those reasons. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer at 47, and I am back at work now, and the countless hours of research and filing seems a dreadful task. I served for 13 years and I released in 2018, diagnosed in Jan 2025. Id love to know if there are more lung cancer patients / vets out there and if there's anything I can learn to help my claim.
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Jason Moffatt
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Answer: Jason, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I know that there are a number of claims regarding long cancer in the VRAB database. I recommend that you search for similar conditions to get supporting information for your claim.
The VAC Claims Process can be overwhelming. To help veterans to navigate the claims process, we have set up a new website just for that reason. You can reach it at:www.VAC.claims. This site will also give you some tips for searching the VRAB Decision Database.
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Add Your Cancer Internal Server Error
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Hi again. My initial attempt to submit my cancers via my iPhone failed due to your Internal Server Error. I did attempt a second attempt using my laptop, which ran into the same error. I can appreciate the challenges with keeping your site functioning properly, but I must admit my current frustration with the submission process. It feels like engagements with VAC...
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Rob Martin
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Answer: Thanks for bringing this problem to our attention, Rob.
The Problem has been fixed.
Please Try Again!
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Bosnia -Herzegovina and GBM
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I have put in a claim for disability for glioblastoma. sent all my 16 brain scans, oncology reports, drs notes, questionnaires. How can i prove this was caused from service in Bosnia. I was an admin clerk, did bank runs, could smell the burn pits. what evidence will i need because i know its going to be rejected. I may not be alive long enough to even finish this appeal. My spouse will fight it.
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sofia de la vega
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Answer: Ionizing radiation is the only well‑established environmental cause of glioblastoma. The most likely source is depleted uranium (DU).
There is documented evidence of depleted uranium (DU) contamination in Bosnia‑Herzegovina, including locations where Canadian soldiers served.
I suggest you go with exposure to depleted uranium. You don’t need all the answers when you file. You can add information to support your argument later.
I’ve found that AI from sources like Co-pilot and ChatGPT are good tools to do quick research.
Suggest you call VAC to ensure your file has been Red Zoned. This will put your file at the front of the line.
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Camp Mirage
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Can you confirm the presence of burn pits at Camp Mirage. Thank you.
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Marie
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Answer: Hello Marie,
Canadians operated out of Camp Mirage, at the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, from 2001 to 2010. In regard to Burn Pits, I could not find Al Minhad Air Base on the lists of known Burn Pits in the UAE, and I cannot recall veterans identifying Camp Mirage burn pits. However, it is quite likely that burn pits were used. I did find a VRAB decision that appears to be about Burn Pits at Camp Mirage, but does not specifically identify the location. A link to this decision is shown below.
To be successful, a cancer claim will need verifiable evidence that the burn pits existed. I will reach out to veterans and ask if they have evidence or if they can confirm that Burn Pits existed at Camp Mirage.
Jim
https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/cavrab/doc/2025/2025canlii104871/2025canlii104871.html?resultId=fae43f572e6d4c4ca3a225838354fa82&searchId=2025-10-30T11:13:17:663/b172a09d481b4cbf8bf0d2130386b1e6&searchUrlHash=AAAAAQAUbWlyYWdlIEFORCBCdXJuIFBpdHMAAAAAAQ
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Multiple myeloma
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Hi I was wondering if you have any documentation to support exposure in the military and multiple myeloma (blood cancer of the plasma cells)
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Dave Snyder
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Answer: Hi Dave,
There have been successful VRAB Reviews for Myeloma as a result of exposure to pesticides and Benzene. Here’s a link.
https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/cavrab/doc/2020/2020canlii38909/2020canlii38909.html?resultId=d2eb452981414785ae11c38556a42c59&searchId=2025-10-12T17:25:18:923/f94b1ac43c33473a9affb21d6cffdf30&searchUrlHash=AAAAAQAHbXllbG9tYQAAAAAB
I suggest you study those that were successful to see if they relate to your experience. I’ll check out database when I get home and let you know if I find something else.
Let us know how you make out.
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