Benefits Available to Radiation Exposed Vets
The November issue of AARP Bulletin (which should be in your mailbox soon, if you
photo courtesy of Google Images
or a family member is a subscriber) shares important information on a search conducted by the National Association of Atomic Veterans; they’re looking for the approximately 195,000 vets who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear tests between 1945 and 1962.
These men and women could receive a one-time $75,000 benefit from the U.S. government under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 or a monthly disability payment of up to $2,673 from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Few veterans have applied for these benefits. Their widows and children are eligible too if their family member died before receiving a benefit.
For more information on how to obtain benefits and how to obtain your records, I located this site: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute for further links.
Per the above site, the program description of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act states that:
“On October 5, 1990, Congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (“RECA” or “the Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 2210 note, providing for compassionate payments to individuals who contracted certain cancers and other serious diseases as a result of their exposure to radiation released during above-ground nuclear weapons tests or as a result of their exposure to radiation during employment in underground uranium mines. The 1990 Act provided fixed payments in the following amounts: $50,000 to individuals residing or working “downwind” of The Nevada Test Site; $75,000 for workers participating in above-ground nuclear weapons tests; and $100,000 for uranium miners.”
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My husband,Carl,was a Navy vet ,who viewed the bomb test at Bikini Atoll.Years later he was diagnosed with mylodysplasia and consequently died.His dog tag #is252-24-68.
Shirley,
I am so sorry to hear that. Did they recognize then that this was a result of the testing? Were you able to receive benefits for yourself?
Blessings,
Shelley
My brother died in 2006 after being exposed to radiation working on Minuteman missiles in Missouri during the 60s.
I’m very sorry. The public rarely hears about how its own citizens have suffered. I’m hearing many similar stories. 🙁
from 1964……1973 a nuclear power plant operated at Mc Murdo Sound, Antarctica. It ran on enriched Uramiun 235, and had nearly 500 malfunctions, after years of battling the USN, VA, DTRA, The VBDR and DTRA finally admitted the exposure, we know of nearly 200 vets that have died from CANCERS related to Ionizing radiation, not to mention the possible hundreds more, we lost track of when they retired..
How long will it take the VA to compensate, these claims
I hope that will be soon. My former husband is finally being compensated for his cancer which was from Agent Orange in Vietnam, so it COULD happen.
I participated in the atmospheric testing at Johnston Island in 1962. I was just diagnosed with primary liver cancer. None of the cancer physicians have been able to tell me why I have it. I am about to file for increased disability rating with the VA. As I barely recall there was a claim that we were all wearing dosimeters while there but I frankly don’t remember and I would question the accuracy of the recording because while there all I saw was mass confusion as I was there for the end of the testing under Dominic I. As an example I was to have returned to Hawaii and the states aboard one of the old Navy ships that were used to keep us off the island during the test. I managed to convince an Air Force Colonel to get me a ride aboard an Air Force aircraft rather than go by ship. When my ride showed up I got on and nobody even knew I had left and never heard anymore about it. As we all know the government can manufacture anything to support its position, How can I counter their disclaimer, if it comes up, that “my dosimeter” reading was 0? Also, if I do get an increase in my disability rating, can I still file for the $75K under the DOJ program?
I was a Rad Safety Officer, Upshot Knothole, Mercury Nevada 1953. Toward the end of tests, one more trip to the area would have “burned me out” so I was saved for one massive dosage. That time came when my driver and I were ordered to cross the fall out area on Mercury Highway within much less than an hour after detonation , to measure the radiation levels at known distances such that radiation levels and dosages could be projected for those who had experiments within and beyond ,
My driver and I carefully measured distances and radiation levels as well as calculated shielding in the vehicle until we went off scale in the vehicle (50 R per hour) and then got another distance and reading when the meter measured again. Allowable peace time dosage was higher then than now. 3.5 R as I recall. Roughly 2,5 minutes at the average for when off scale would have exceeded the annual limit and we traveled slowly to make sure we got accurate readings, going and coming. The DOD doesn’t come close to the dosage I know I received . Perhaps the dosimeter was not readable because of the intensity.
In any case, my body is successfully fighting the evolution of bone cancer (multiple myeloma) The bone marrow biopsy confirms that it is there but I have put my body/immune system into a cancer fighting mode. This past week my oncologist told me that my abnormal protein levels in my blood are now identical to those of two years ago and to continue to do what I am doing.. We will drop back to checking every six months.
I read/study and have taken responsibility for my health. Cancer can be defeated. I admit. I am a slacker as there is more that I can do but I hate the taste of turmeric/curcumin.
http://www.justice.gov/civil/docs_forms/RECA_Onsite_Particip.pdf
To the admin…. What has happened to the St. George, Ut area is so sad to me. I was an army officer, Radiological Safety but a peon in the greater happening. Several shots were delayed because of wind direction and projected fall out areas with St. George in mind. In fact teams were sent there to monitor when the wind changed. From what I read, cancer of numerous forms are far more prevalent in that area than other locations.
I have an oncologist friend who was sent to St. George specifically for that reason.
Blessings to you as you navigate this disease. Apparently you are doing it well.
I was part of the Enewetak Atoll Radiological Clean-Up. We were all exposed and had no protective gear. We have been denied benefits and healthcare. It is disturbing to see how the DOD and VA actually help the Veteran’s. They have paid and supplied the Enewetak Government (Republic of Marshall Islands) for healthcare, damages and benefits. They have paid all DOD contractors as well as Civilian Workers, as well as ALL Foreign Nationals and Foreign Civilian Workers, but the American Vet’s have received ANYTHING. This is a blatant slap in the face to All American Veteran’s. We have even been removed from the Atomic Veteran status. Because of this amendment, we are only entitled to breathe American Air. They will surely be taking that one benefit way from us soon. I just know it.
It makes me incredibly sad when I hear these stories. Our veterans deserve more… much more. I wish there was something I could do to help.
Shirley Hostnik my dad was at the same place.. Bikini Atoll. He is 88 years old and was just told he has pancreatic cancer. ….
Shirley Hostnik my dad was at the same place. ..Bikini Atoll. He is 88 and was told he has pancreatic cancer.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Sandra.
My grandfather was career Naval officer in WWII and served in the Marshall Islands from 1958 to 1962. He sent me (grandson) a large collection of sea shells from around the Atoll. In 1964 my grandparents moved in with us so he could be admitted to Fitzsimons Army medical center for the removal of his left lung. They never applied for federal benefits before he passed away. In 2000 I developed a rare and incurable form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and have often wondered if it was due to continuous exposure to the seashells, which I believe are radioactive. Who could inquire about this or who should I contact? Would federal benefits be available to the grandchild?
Wow, so sorry to hear about this!
From what I understand, benefits would only be available to those who were actually there. Having said, it seems that further study should be done on the possibility of the shells containing radioactive particles. By any chance, do you still have the shells?
My father, Richard Robert Rice, was stationed in the Marshall Islands from 1991-1996. He was transfered from White Sands Missle Range in New Mexico. My mother and I followed him on his duty to the Marshall Islands and lived there for three years. My father contacted renel cell cancer at the age of 76, my mother died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 83. I had thyroid cancer at the age of 35. I do believe it is from high levels of ration that we were all exposed to while living on the Marshall Islands. I feel that my family gave up more than just a tour of duty to this country, I want to know what the VA and DOD are going to do to repay our sacrafices. I would also like to know how others that lived on the Marshall Islands were taken care of after contacting cancer. Thank you for your help and advise.
On September 1953 I was a participant in “UPSHOTKNOTHOLE Series, Shot Badger, a 23 kt. tower shot, atomic bomb test. We were in trenched 4000 yards from ground zero. As the atomic bomb detonation took place, the flash was so bright you could see the bones in your hands and the bones in marine veteran next to you. Follow the detonation was a shockwave that move our trenches up and down, side ways. It was as if we were in an earthquake. There is a saying, “seeing is believing”, I say, “being their on site is reality” This was an event I will never forget. Years later I came in contact with several disease’s relating to radiation from the Atomic Bomb “Shot BADGER”. For three years I filed for benefits for my diseases, only to be denied, denied, denied. Why is that the veterans who contacted Venereal disease, are receiving benefits. But our Atomic Veterans, cannot? I ask, when will someone come forth, and help our Atomic Veterans?
I was at the crossroad operation 1i 1946 Able and BakerI’ve had six operations and VA has been given a hard time, I have paper from the Navy saying how radiation that i recieved.
So many have been affected!
You’re right. That makes no sense. We don’t treat our veterans well at all.
Hopefully, more of those who lived there will find your comment and be able to connect.
I was on Johnston Atoll from 1977 to 1978..and we had Agent Orange stored on the Island..I worked in the Ammo Magazine that contained Sarin Nerve Gas which we renovated.I wonder if I got exposed to radiation..agent orange or the nerve gas.
I was on Johnston in 1962/63, yep I got cancer. Our government deceived, lied, enacted shams,
excludes, you name it. Sad but true. I currently am write Trump to use his authority to provide
equal assistance. Don’t hold your breath. I was a DOD contractor for the missile range.
We hear this frequently and it’s very disheartening. I hope that you’ll have some luck with Trump.
Terryrs,
My father worked for Douglas and was also on Johnston for the high altitude testing. He was diagnosed and successfully treated for colon cancer in 1988. In January 2003 he was diagnosed with Liver Cancer and died in April of that year. I would like to speak with someone who may have more knowledge of what he experienced while there. If you don’t mind would you please contact me via email at rcutman@aol.com.
Thank you!
I had a short 2 week tour on Johnston assigned to JTF8 in 1965. We had to wear does badges and I want to know if any record is still around to identify my dose etc.
I wish I had some knowledge around that. Maybe one of our readers will know.
I served in 1962 at Johnston, got cancer of the bladder,prostrate, excluded under EEOICPA as a
non energyworker, I worked for DOD U.S. Navy. Sad we are excluded as unequal.
So sorry. That makes no sense to me. 🙁
To those you who were at the Bikini Attoll Island, it sad !
My Dad’s ship, ( USS Begor) was there, as well, and is written about as ” The most Radiological ship in the United States Navy “, after this ! Not only was this ship “exposed”, but he was a pipefitter/Ship-fitter, working in and with Asbestos laden material, wrapping all water and boiler lines in this.
Needless to say, him fighting & dieing at 65lbs was a far cry from what he signed up for ! The cancer… was horrible, aweful.. but the govt refusing to acknowledge this, forever, was worse!
Nobody.. in this country should HAVE TO WATCH.. their parent die.. like I did !!
Going out, he still loved the “old US of A”, and was a Sailor.. right to the end !! More to HIM.. than the phonies.. is Washington DC !!
Sunset and evening star… one clear call for me.. let there be no moaning at the barr, when… “I”.. put out to sea..
I’m so sorry. These are the things that I just don’t understand about our government. And I’m hearing it so often.
My uncle was a certified Navy frogmen who worked at Bikini Atoll after the first bombs were dropped there. He died in the mid-70’s with three kids at home. I never heard whether his family tried to file a claim. My grandmother, who usually never spoke a bad word about the US government, blamed it for my uncle’s death.
There are so many of these stories! It’s so very sad. And now we’re hearing a lot about injuries and cancers from Agent Orange in Vietnam and other weapons used in the mideast.
I worked for DOD US NAVY at PPG JOHNSTON ISLAND. Yes I witnessed many tests and was
exposed, got cancer and was denied as a non-energy ker. I am troubled! What does wo you worked
have to do withthe exposure, who did it matters!
I am 82 now an Trump demands loyalty, I served 33 years and loyalty is not enough to get
equity. Do you trust your President HUM!
During the mid 1980s, I communicated with Defense Nuclear Agency several times. Each response from them included my film badge readings. Thus, every one of my doctors has a copy.