Veterans who served in any of the following situations or circumstances may have been exposed to radiation. This list is not all inclusive.
For veterans who participated in a radiation-risk activity during service (including "Atomic Veterans"), the VA assumes that certain cancers are related to their exposure. These are called "presumptive diseases."
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of a veterans who participated in a radiation-risk activity and died as the result of one of these diseases may be eligible for survivors' benefits.
If a Veteran who was exposed to radiation during military service including "Atomic Veterans" develops one of the diseases listed below and meets other requirements, VA disability compensation MAY BE paid on a CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.
Eligibility depends on how much radiation the veteran received and other factors, such as the period of time between exposure to radiation and the development of the disease.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of a veterans who participated in a radiation-risk activity and died as the result of one of these diseases may be eligible for survivors' benefits.
The VA also will consider the possibility that other diseases not listed above were caused by radiation, if supported by medical or scientific evidence. To be eligible for compensation, VA must be able to establish that it is at least as likely as not that a veteran's disease was caused by his or her radiation exposure during service.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
VA presumes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed in all veterans who had 90 days or more continuous active military service is related to their service, although ALS is not related to radiation exposure.
Submitting a benefit claim to the VA
Veterans exposed to radiation and survivors of veterans that were exposed to radiation and died should contact Tarrant County Veteran Services at 817- 531-5645 if you want to file disability compensation claim with the VA. We have trained staff that can assist you, free of charge, with the claims process.
Ionizing Radiation Registry Health Exam for Veterans
VA's Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam alerts veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to ionizing radiation exposure during their military service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.
About the Ionizing Radiation Registry Health Exam
This comprehensive health exam includes an exposure and medical history, laboratory tests and a physical exam. A VA health professional will discuss the results face-to-face with the Veteran and in a follow-up letter.
Important points about registry health exams:
Veterans who meet any of the following criteria are eligible:
Contact the Radiation Exposure Registry health exam coordinator at the VA hospital in Dallas below to get scheduled for an exam or for more information:
Joan Nerviano
214-857-2083
Fax: 214-462-4976
County Telephone Operator 817-884-1111
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