Compensation

Radiogenic Diseases Post-Service

There are certain diseases that may be service connected if the disease occurred as a result of the Veteran participating in one of the following radiation-risk activities:

• Internment as a prisoner of war in Japan (38 CFR 3.309(d)(3)(ii)(C))
• The post-war occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki (38 CFR 3.309(d)(3)(ii)(B))
• Atmospheric nuclear weapons testing (38 CFR 3.309(d)(3)(ii)(A))
• Underground nuclear weapons testing at Amchitka Island, Alaska, (38 CFR 3.309(d)(3)(ii)(D)(2) or
• Assignment to a gaseous diffusion plant at:
  • Paducah, Kentucky
  • Portsmouth, Ohio, or
  • Area K25 at Oakridge, Tennessee. (38 CFR 3.309(d)(3)(ii)(D)(1))
• The performance of tasks similar to those performed by a Department of Energy (DOE)employee that qualifies the DOE employee as a member of the Special Exposure Cohort under 42 U.S.C. 7384L(14). (38 CFR 3.309(d)(3)(ii)(E))

The diseases for which service connection may be granted include different types of cancer. For a complete list of diseases, see 38 CFR 3.309(d)(2).

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• You must have participated in a radiation-risk activity when serving on active duty, or as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces during a period of active duty for training or inactive duty training
• You have one of the radiogenic diseases listed in 38 CFR 3.309(d)(2) 

Evidence Requirements

• Service records must show participation in one of the radiation risk activities decribed above and in 38 CFR 3.309(d)(3)(ii). The claim should not just state exposure to radiation during service. An actual disease/disability must be claimed.
• Service records must show participation in U.S. atmospheric nuclear weapons testing, participation with the occupational forces in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, internment as a POW in Japan, or any of the other radiation-risk locations such as Amchitka Island, Alaska or one of the gaseous diffusion plants.

The VA will request all of your pertinent service records.

How to Apply

• Apply online using eBenefits, OR 
• Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
• Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.

For more information on how to apply and for tips on making sure your claim is ready to be processed by VA, visit our How to Apply page.

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