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Veterans

Korean War Veterans

Approximately 5.7 million Veterans served in the Korean War. Korean War Veterans are more prone to suffer from disabilities related to cold injures as a result of exposure to severe cold climates. Cold weather accounted for 16% of Army non-battle injuries and over 5,000 U.S. casualties of cold injury required evacuation from Korea during the winter of 1950-1951. In many instances, Servicemembers could not seek or were unable to obtain medical care for cold injuries because of battlefield conditions.

VA Benefits

Korean War 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.

Information for Korean War Veterans

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

Benefits for Korean War Veterans Who Experience Cold Injuries

Veterans who experienced cold injuries may have medical conditions resulting from a cold-related disease or injury. Examples of cold-related medical conditions include: skin cancer in frostbite scars, arthritis, fallen arches, stiff toes, and cold sensitization. These cold-related problems may worsen as Veterans grow older and develop complicating conditions such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, which place them at higher risk for late amputations.

Learn more about cold injuries on the Veterans Health Administration's Cold Injuries page.

Learn more about how service-connected cold injuries or diseases may qualify you for VA Disability Compensation benefits.

Benefits for Korean War Veterans Exposed to Ionizing Radiation

Korean War 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 Korean War Veterans Who Participated in Radiation-Risk Activities

Korean War 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:

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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