Since 1946, many Atomic Veterans have needed medical care because of the nuclear radiation exposure they received during their times of service. If you are one of them, or are a surviving family member, you should know what medical care for radiation exposure you may need and what is available to you. In this blog, you will learn who qualifies as an Atomic Veteran, what health effects may have resulted from radiation exposure and how you can obtain medical care.
What is an Atomic Veteran?
An Atomic Veteran is any member of the United States Armed Forces who participated in atmospheric nuclear testing or in the manufacture or maintenance of nuclear weapons. Atomic Veterans also were part of the occupation forces in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, or were prisoners of war during World War II.
These veterans were exposed to high levels of atomic radiation and have been recognized as a special group by the United States government. Atomic Veterans served from 1946 to 1962, and many have subsequently developed a number of serious health conditions which impaired their function, well-being and longevity. The federal government enacted the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in 1990 to acknowledge and compensate Atomic Veterans for their service-related health issues.
Sadly, many of these veterans were not fully aware of the risks they were taking while serving their country. They did not use proper protective gear or were not informed about the potential dangers of radiation exposure. As a result, many have suffered from various forms of cancer, respiratory diseases and other health problems.
Many thousands of military personnel were involved in atmospheric nuclear testing during this time period. This includes soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who were stationed at test sites in Nevada, New Mexico, and in Pacific Ocean (Bikini Atoll veterans and others).
Health Effects of Radiation Exposure
Exposure to atomic radiation causes several adverse health effects, from short-term symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, to long-term problems, such as cancer. Atomic Veterans are at increased risk for developing certain types of cancers, including lung, thyroid and bladder cancer. They may develop cataracts, heart disease and reproductive problems, including miscarriage and infertility, and other issues.
Medical Care Available to Atomic Veterans
Atomic Veterans who have developed what is termed “presumptive cancers” may be eligible for medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Presumptive cancers are those which have been proven linked to atomic radiation exposure. There is a list of 21 presumptive cancers. They include breast, thyroid, urinary tract cancers, multiple myeloma, leukemia and others.
The VA also publishes a list of non-presumptive cancers which may be linked to nuclear radiation exposure. However, these cancers require further evidence to determine an individual’s eligibility for medical care, compensation and other benefits. These include lung cancer, esophageal cancer and prostate cancer.
In addition to medical care, Atomic Veterans may be eligible for other benefits through the VA, including pension programs. They may qualify for home loans, educational assistance and vocational rehabilitation services, too.
It is important for Atomic Veterans to seek out these resources and benefits. Many of these veterans simply were not informed of the potential health risks while working with nuclear materials in the construction, maintenance or test detonation of atomic weapons.
Additionally, you should know that the VA makes the final decisions on medical claims related to atomic radiation exposure for veterans and their families. They do processes called dosage reconstruction to determine how much radiation a veteran received and the impact this exposure has had. This information is used to determine if a veteran is eligible for VA healthcare and compensation.
Treating the Effects of Nuclear Testing
At Cancer Benefits Center for Downwinders® our dedicated team of compensation experts help many Atomic Veterans and their families receive the medical care and monetary compensation they deserve. If you have symptoms of cancer or other serious illness, or have been officially diagnosed with one, please contact us for more information.
The team at Downwinders® has handled thousands of cases just like yours, and we are ready to start the free of charge application process for you. We assist in gathering needed documentation of service, medical examinations and other details.
Fill out the registration form today, and we will take it from there. We are ready 24/7 to serve you and your family!
