Information about exposure to depleted uranium during military service and related VA benefits and programs

The process of manufacturing enriched uranium from natural uranium used in nuclear reactors or weapons leaves “depleted” uranium (DU). DU has 40 percent less radioactivity, but the same chemical toxicity as natural uranium. Natural uranium is present in small amounts in our environment, and we all are exposed to it through our food and water.

Learn about:

• How Veterans May Have Been Exposed to Depleted Uranium
• Health Problems Associated with Depleted Uranium
• VA Benefits

How Veterans May Have Been Exposed to Depleted Uranium

The U.S. military uses tank armor and some bullets made with depleted uranium (DU) to penetrate enemy armored vehicles. The U.S. military began using DU on a large scale during the Gulf War in the early 1990s.

When a projectile made with DU penetrates a vehicle, small pieces of DU can scatter and become embedded in muscle and soft tissue. In addition to DU in wounds, soldiers exposed to DU in struck vehicles may inhale or swallow small airborne DU particles.

Some Gulf War, Bosnia, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn Veterans who may have been exposed to DU are:

• Those who were on, in, or near vehicles hit with "friendly fire."
• Rescuers entering burning vehicles, and those near burning vehicles.
• Those near fires involving DU munitions.
• Those salvaging damaged vehicles.

If you think you were exposed to harmful DU conditions, contact the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate at your nearest VA medical center and ask to be screened for DU exposure.

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Health Problems Associated with Depleted Uranium

DU is a potential health hazard if it enters the body, such as through embedded fragments, contaminated wounds, and inhalation or ingestion. Simply riding in a vehicle with DU weapons or DU shielding will not expose a service member to significant amounts of DU or external radiation.

The potential for health effects from internal exposure is related to the amount of DU that enters a person’s body. If DU enters the body, it may remain in the body. Studies show high doses may especially affect the kidneys.

So far no health problems associated with DU exposure have been found in Veterans exposed to DU. Researchers and clinicians continue to monitor the health of these Veterans. Go to the Department of Defense's Depleted Uranium (DU) Library* to learn about results of medical and scientific research and other DU topics.

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VA Benefits

Veterans who were exposed to depleted uranium during military service may be eligible for:

• Health care benefits, including a Gulf War Registry health examination for Veterans of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn
• Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, a program to screen and monitor health problems associated with depleted uranium exposure
• Disability compensation benefits for disabilities that VA determines are associated with depleted uranium exposure during military service
• Other benefits, including home loans, vocational rehabilitation, and education

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