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Veterans

World War II Veterans

World War II (WWII) was the most widespread war in history with more than 100 million people serving in military units. About 16 million Americans served during WWII, and many of those Veterans are now receiving VA benefits including Pension and Health Care. WWII Veterans who were a part of the Occupation Forces assigned to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan soon after the detonation of Atomic-Bombs over those respective cities, and those American prisoners of war ( POW's ) who were housed in close proximity to those cities are sometimes called "Atomic Veterans."

VA Benefits

World War II Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. See our Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.

VA Benefits for World War II Veterans

The following sections provide information tailored to the experiences of World War II Veterans to help you better understand specific VA benefits for which you may qualify.

Benefits for World War II Veterans Exposed to Ionizing Radiation

World War II era Veterans may qualify for health care and compensation benefits if you were exposed to ionizing radiation during military service. Health care services include an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam and clinical treatment at VA's War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers. You may also be entitled to disability compensation benefits if you have certain cancers as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation during military service.

Learn more about VA benefits for Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation:

Benefits for World War II Veterans Who Participated in Radiation-Risk Activities

World War II era Veterans may qualify for health care and compensation benefits if you participated in certain radiation-risk activities, such as nuclear weapons testing, during military service. These Veterans may be informally referred to as "Atomic Veterans". Health care services include an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam and clinical treatment at VA's War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers. You may also be entitled to disability compensation benefits if you have certain cancers as a result of your participation in a radiation-risk activity during military service.

Learn more about VA benefits for Veterans who participated in radiation-risk activities:

Benefits for Survivors of Veterans with Radiation Exposure

Surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of Veterans who died as the result of diseases related to radiation exposure during military service may be eligible for survivors' benefits.

Learn more on the Dependents & Survivors page.

How to Apply 

There are many paths to eligibility, and applying is the best way to know if you qualify.  Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below. 

  • Apply online using VA.gov, OR
  • Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
  • In person at the nearest VA medical center or clinic, OR
  • By calling the toll-free hotline: 800-698-2411, 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.

      File your claim using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).  Print the form, fil it out and send it to:

      Department of Veteran Affairs
      Claims Intake Center
      PO Box 4444
      Janesville, WI 53547-4444

      External Link Disclaimer:  This page contains links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website.  VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

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