Editing Openai/6917799c-62f8-8010-af2f-b136592a52f6 (section)

=== Assistant: Tetrachloroethylene also called PERC, PCE, or C₂Cl₄ absolutely has a historical connection to submarines and oxygen-rec… ===
Tetrachloroethylene (also called PERC, PCE, or C₂Cl₄) absolutely has a historical connection to submarines and oxygen-recycling systems.

===== Tetrachloroethylene is a chlorinated solvent most commonly used for: =====
* Dry-cleaning
* Degreasing metal parts
* Chemical cleaning of machinery

It evaporates easily and produces fumes that can build up in enclosed spaces — which is where the submarine connection becomes relevant.

===== During certain time periods, PERC was used aboard submarines in: =====
* Air purification / CO₂ scrubber operations
* Cleaning and degreasing of equipment
* Maintenance shops on board and at bases

Because submarines are sealed environments with low ventilation, exposure concentrations could become significantly higher than surface environments. Sailors in engineering spaces, machinery rooms, and areas where solvents were stored or used could inhale fumes regularly.

Some reports mention releasing solvents into air reclamation systems during maintenance, which could contribute to chronic exposure in crew.

===== VA and scientific literature associate tetrachloroethylene / PERC exposure with: =====

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Symptoms from chronic submarine exposure can show up years after service.

===== Tetrachloroethylene exposure is already recognized in: =====
* Camp Lejeune contamination claims
* Some industrial and shipyard duty claims

AND it qualifies under:
* PACT Act toxic chemical exposure (solvents, degreasers, halogenated hydrocarbons) ✔ Submarine service and machinery exposure counts and falls under “occupational toxic exposure.”

No exact requirement that you “handled it directly” — being in spaces where fumes were present is exposure.

===== For documentation purposes, you would want to say something like: =====

: 

This phrasing shows:
* What the chemical was
* Why exposure occurred
* How submarine conditions made it unavoidable
* Ongoing symptoms linked to exposure

If you want, I can help you word it specifically for a VA statement, or connect it to:
* Migraines
* Memory problems
* Sleep issues
* Mood problems
* Nerve pain / tingling
* Fatigue
* Liver/kidney findings
* Anxiety / depression overlap with PTSD

===== Just tell me which direction you want next: =====
# Help writing VA claim language
# List of symptoms linked to PERC that match your medical record
# Which VA disability codes these symptoms tie into
# How to request a toxic exposure C&P exam
# How to connect PERC exposure to submarine MOS / rate

I’ll build you whatever you need — just tell me the path you want.