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 RadiationRadiation is energy that travels through space. Radiation exposure occurs when that energy passes into someone or something. There are two types of radiation, ionizing and non-ionizing. Some veterans may have been exposed to radiation from nuclear weapons testing or other radiation activities during military service. VA has conducted research studies on the possible health effects of radiation exposure. VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as associated with exposure to radiation.
Radiation is energy that comes from a source, such as subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves, and travels through space. When this energy passes into the body, either by penetrating skin or being swallowed or inhaled, it can cause harmful radiation exposure. Concern about radiation exposure during military service is largely about ionizing radiation. Learn more about ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. "Atomic Veterans" is an unofficial term that refers to:
Go to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Nuclear Test Personnel Review Program Web site* to download fact sheets about specific U.S. atmospheric nuclear tests. 3. How can I find out whether I was exposed to ionizing radiation while I was in the military? Your military branch of service will have records of your ionizing radiation exposure or scenarios describing various types of duty-related exposure. VA will work with the Department of Defense to find out whether you were exposed while you were in the military when you apply for VA benefits for health problems associated with radiation exposure. Learn about disability compensation, health care, other VA benefits, and how to apply. If you have questions:
VA set up the cost-free Ionizing Radiation Registry health examination program to track the special health concerns of veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service. Veterans interested in participating in this program should contact the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate at the nearest VA medical center to schedule an examination. 5. What does the Ionizing Radiation Registry health examination involve? Does it cost anything? The Ionizing Radiation Registry health examination is cost-free for veterans who participated in atmospheric nuclear weapons testing, served with the U.S. occupational forces in Hiroshima or Nagasaki or were POWs there, were exposed to ionizing radiation while participating in another radiation-risk activity or received nasopharyngeal (NP) radium treatments while in military service. If you participate, you'll get a comprehensive physical examination and more. Contact the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate at the nearest VA medical center to schedule an examination. VA offers special priority enrollment at VA medical facilities and other health care services for Atomic Veterans who have diseases associated with radiation exposure during military service. Other veterans who have diseases associated with radiation exposure during military service may be eligible for health care benefits too. Learn more about health care benefits for diseases associated with radiation exposure. If you have questions about health care:
Go to diseases associated with ionizing radiation exposure to learn what cancers and other diseases VA recognizes are related to radiation exposure during military service. You may be eligible for disability compensation, a monthly payment for service-related disabilities. Learn about disability compensation for diseases associated with radiation exposure and how to apply. If you have questions about disability compensation:
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