Who's covered
VA recognizes exposure for service in these locations and time periods:
- Ionizing Radiation - Atomic Veterans (Atmospheric Nuclear Tests)July 16, 1945 – November 4, 1962Veterans who participated in atmospheric nuclear weapons tests conducted by the U.S. primarily in Nevada and the Pacific Ocean between 1945 and 1962 are recognized as atomic veterans under 38 CFR 3.309(d).
- Ionizing Radiation - American Occupation of Hiroshima or NagasakiAugust 6, 1945 – July 1, 1946Veterans who participated in the American occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, between Aug 6, 1945 and Jul 1, 1946 are presumed exposed to ionizing radiation.
- Ionizing Radiation - Enewetak Atoll CleanupJanuary 1, 1977 – December 31, 1980Service in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands, from Jan 1, 1977 through Dec 31, 1980 is presumptive for ionizing radiation exposure.
- Ionizing Radiation - Palomares, Spain Plutonium CleanupJanuary 17, 1966 – March 31, 1967Service responding to the Jan 17, 1966 B-52/KC-135 mid-air collision over Palomares, Spain, which released plutonium from broken hydrogen bombs.
- Ionizing Radiation - Thule Air Force Base, GreenlandJanuary 21, 1968 – September 25, 1968Service in response to the Jan 21, 1968 B-52 bomber crash and fire near Thule Air Force Base, Greenland.
- Ionizing Radiation - Amchitka Island, Alaska Underground Nuclear TestingService on or before Jan 1, 1974 in conjunction with underground nuclear testing at Amchitka Island, Alaska (Long Shot 1965, Milrow 1969, Cannikin 1971).
- Ionizing Radiation - Gaseous Diffusion Plants (Paducah, Portsmouth, K-25)Service of at least 250 days before Feb 1, 1992 at Paducah (KY), Portsmouth (OH), or K-25 area of Oak Ridge (TN) Gaseous Diffusion Plants.
- Ionizing Radiation - Occupational (Non-Atomic-Veteran)Occupational ionizing radiation outside 38 CFR 3.309(d) atomic-veteran presumption (shipyard radiological work, nuclear submarine engineering plants, radar/nuclear weapons technicians).
- Radiofrequency / Microwave (Non-Ionizing) RadiationRadiofrequency / microwave radiation from radar, communications, and EW systems.
Presumptive conditions (22)
If you have a qualifying diagnosis and the service above, VA presumes these are connected to your exposure — you don't have to prove causation:
Leukemia (other than CLL)Thyroid cancerBreast cancerPharynx cancerEsophagus cancerStomach cancerSmall intestine cancerPancreas cancerMultiple myelomaLymphomas (except Hodgkin)Bile duct cancerGallbladder cancerPrimary liver cancerSalivary gland cancerUrinary tract cancerBone cancerBrain cancerColon cancerLung cancerOvary cancerBronchiolo-alveolar carcinomaColon, stomach, esophagus, small intestine, pancreas cancers
See your conditions and what they rate, then build your combined rating — open the free calculator →
What you need to file
- DD-214 — Service period 1945-1962
- Personnel records / unit assignment — Confirms participation in atmospheric nuclear test
- DTRA radiation dose reconstruction — DoD dose estimate
- Medical diagnosis — 38 CFR 3.309(d)(2) presumptive cancer
- DD-214 / WD AGO Form 53 — Service period
- Personnel records / orders — Confirms Enewetak cleanup assignment
- Personnel records — Confirms 250+ cumulative days at qualifying plant
- DD Form 1141 / dose records — Individual radiation dose reconstruction
- Medical diagnosis + nexus letter — VA decides via 38 CFR 3.311 probability-of-causation
How to file
File a disability claim for your diagnosed condition and note the exposure. The usual path: lock your date with an Intent to File, get a current diagnosis, gather your service records, and prepare for your C&P exam. If service connection isn't obvious, a nexus letter can help.
Legal authority & sources
38 CFR 3.309(d); Radiation Exposed Veterans Compensation Act of 1988 (Pub.L.100-321)