This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about radiation and VA benefits related to radiation exposure during military service:
What is radiation?
Radiation is energy that comes from a source, such as subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves, and travels through space. When this energy passes into the body, either by penetrating skin or being swallowed or inhaled, it may be harmful. Concern about radiation exposure during military service is largely about ionizing radiation. Learn more about ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
back to top
Who are Atomic Veterans?
"Atomic Veterans" is an unofficial term that refers to:
- Veterans who were involved in the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan between August 6, 1945, and July 1, 1946
- Veterans who were prisoners of war in Japan during World War II
- Veterans who participated in atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, which were conducted primarily in Nevada and the Pacific Ocean between 1945 and 1962
Go to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Nuclear Test Personnel Review Program Web site* to download fact sheets about specific U.S. atmospheric nuclear tests.
back to top
How can I find out whether I was exposed to ionizing radiation while I was in the military?
Your military branch of service will have records of your ionizing radiation exposure or scenarios describing various types of duty-related exposure. VA will work with the Department of Defense to find out whether you were exposed while you were in the military when you apply for VA benefits for diseases associated with ionizing radiation exposure. Learn more about how VA confirms radiation exposure during military service.
back to top
What can Veterans with health concerns about exposure to ionizing radiation while in the military do?
VA set up the cost-free Ionizing Radiation Registry health examination program to track the special health concerns of Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service. Veterans interested in participating in this program should contact the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate at the nearest VA medical center to schedule an examination.
back to top
What does the Ionizing Radiation Registry health examination involve? Does it cost anything?
The Ionizing Radiation Registry health examination is cost-free for Veterans who participated in atmospheric nuclear weapons testing, served with the U.S. occupational forces in Hiroshima or Nagasaki or were POWs there, were exposed to ionizing radiation while participating in another radiation-risk activity or received nasopharyngeal (NP) radium treatments while in military service. If you participate, you’ll get a comprehensive physical examination and more. Contact the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate at the nearest VA medical center to schedule an examination.
back to top
What other health services, in addition to the Ionizing Radiation Registry health examination, am I eligible for?
VA offers special priority enrollment at VA medical facilities and other health care services for Veterans who participated in a radiation-risk activity or are entitled to disability compensation for diseases associated with radiation exposure. Learn more about health care benefits for diseases associated with radiation exposure.
back to top
What diseases does VA recognize as service-connected for Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation?
Go to diseases associated with ionizing radiation exposure to learn what cancers and other diseases VA recognizes are related to radiation exposure during military service.
back to top
I think I have a disability related to radiation exposure during my military service. Can I get VA compensation?
You may be eligible for disability compensation, a monthly payment for service-related disabilities. Learn about disability compensation for diseases associated with radiation exposure, including how to apply.
back to top
*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.
|
