Information about military tests in the 1960s and 1970s involving biological and chemical warfare materials and related VA benefits
Announcement
Study on Health Effects: VA has sponsored a follow-up of the 2007 Institute of Medicine study*† on the health outcomes of participating in SHAD. The results of the new study should be available in summer 2014.
During the 1960s and early 1970s, the Department of Defense conducted tests known as Project 112 and Project SHAD. The tests were conducted to determine potential risks to American forces exposed to chemical and biological warfare. U.S. service members were not test subjects; rather, they participated in conducting the tests.
Decades after the testing, some Veterans began seeking VA health care for health problems they believed were caused by their exposure to warfare agents in these tests. At VA’s request, the Department of Defense began declassifying and sharing with VA information related to possible exposure to warfare agents during the tests, including personnel rosters.
Research has shown no clear evidence of specific long-term health problems associated with participation in Project SHAD.
Veterans may be eligible for VA health care benefits and disability compensation benefits for health problems associated with participation in Project 112/Project SHAD.
*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.
†VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked Web site.
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