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Atomic Veterans Having Difficulty Drawing Disability Compensation

Although it's not a secret the U.S. Government tested nuclear devices in the Nevada deserts and the Pacific Ocean, what is unknown is that U.S. soldiers were used as test subjects, which resulted in many cases of veterans with disabilities, according to an article in the Star Telegram.

Although it would be unheard of in today's military to take a soldier, give him or her almost no protection, and use them as test subjects for nuclear explosions, it seemed almost common place at the time, and isn't the last time soldiers have reported radiation exposure.

They've come to be known as atomic veterans, and they numbered about 400,000 soldiers, marines, and sailors. Half of them were at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The other half were used in above-ground nuclear testing that lasted from 1945 until 1962.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, only about 1,500 soldiers demonstrated heightened levels of radiation. This is why so many atomic veterans are unable to draw disability compensation for any issues they feel are related to their role in the nuclear testing.

The VA's list of risks related to radiation exposure is long, and includes presumptive diseases. Being granted disability for that exposure isn't easy, however, and those atomic veterans are now telling younger veterans to make sure they keep records on everything because they never know what they'll have to prove.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.