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This individual would have had to have a 'combat arms' MOS and then prove he was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 7th CAV (Division Reaction Force) in order to be granted presumptive.  He will have a difficult time proving presumptive as a cryptographic radio operator or member of the band for the 7th CAV.  Although I sympathize with his predicament, if he is made aware of the Korea DMZ AO eligibility, I think he should apply.  I remember the Bob Hope show with Ann Margret; it was a hoot. Cacti, if you are able to make contact with this vet, ask him to come to VBN for more help.  Also, thanks for trying to help...

The requirements for Korea have a few conundrums, that Vietnam vets do not need to qualify.  First: there is the separate distinction made between the two location; second: there are the specific dates (that are not so all encompassing as VN); third: there are only certain units (as listed in the regs), and finally; fourth: it is difficult for a non-combat (arms) vet in Korea to get presumptive unless they served in one of the Army Infantry units designated.  These are 'specific' to Korea and when the adjudicator looks at the records and sees a non-combat arms MOS, i.e. band or radio operator, they immediately flag the claim.  What this does is cause the VBA to question eligibility.  A letter goes out asking for more evidence, that presumptive cannot be proved and the vet will need to supply additional information about his assignments and specific duties during the dates claimed.  Again, this is very specific to Korea DMZ.  The VBA wants evidence that your duties showed that you had to go to, in, or travel through the DMZ consistent with your duties if you did not have a combat-arms MOS and assigned to one of the Infantry units.  This has been a bugaboo with Korea claims for a long time.  2nd MP comes to mind.  They billeted south of The Imjin River, but had regular duties in, on and near 'The Zone'.  They eventually were added to the list of units granted presumption.  Any Korea vet who has won an award, that did not have a combat-arms MOS, has had to prove the same for the past several years.  Now, I will admit the VA has made it easier for Korea vets since earlier this year, but, my claim was approved prior to the new leniency.  But, I had to prove I was 'on the zone' even though I was assigned to the command unit due to my MOS (Operations and Intelligence Specialist).  I provided that evidence and successfully won my claim.

I am not trying to be difficult regarding this individuals situation.  On the contrary, I am providing this information based on the little information provided in the article.  Given his duties, albeit with 7th CAV, he must have served with the 4th Squadron, Division QRF, and had duties consistent with his assignment that would have brought him in, on or near the DMZ.  I distinctly remember and know that the QRF had 2 camps they responded from.  One was along the Spoonbill just north of RC3 and the other was below Freedom Bridge on the south side of The Imjin.  I don't remember the name of the specific camps, but claiming billeting in one or the other can make a big difference in how VBA adjudicates a claim.  One is considered in, on or near the DMZ and the other is not.

Regardless of these facts, if this fellow can be communicated with and comes here to VBN, he will have a treasure-trove of information to arm himself with when talking with the VA or a VSO.  I agree with Lou also; he is a vet with very low income and whether he is service-connected or not, he is likely eligible for a pension (and a whole lot of help from many other sources).  It appears he does not want to take advantage of those sources based upon the article, so Cacti, if you are able to help him and you have information about his progress, I, for one, would love to hear how this progresses...

Bill