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Stories Surfacing of Veterans Exposed to Radiation at McMurdo Station

Naval veterans serving at McMurdo Station in Antarctica during the 1960s and 1970s were in proximity to a leaking nuclear power plant, putting them at an increased risk for developing cancers.

Military veterans have recently made claims their cancers were caused by the leaking nuclear power plant, which was known as PM-3A. Initially brought online in 1962, it was shut down in 1973 due to "frequent malfunctions." Those malfunctions likely included leaking radiation and subsequent contamination. 

A final report on the reactor was issued following its 1973 shutdown. A recent investigation discovered a total of 438 malfunctions with 123 reported incidents of radiation exposure above allowable limits. The problems, however, were much more widespread and occurred over a longer time span.

A 1967 report detailed the reactor core needing to be replaced after only 2 years of use. The new core also experienced "widespread malfunctions" for the next 9 years. Further, there were 30 reactor core cracks discovered, as well as a fuel leak, which resulted in more problems for the reactor's core. 

McMurdo Station was a mere few yards away from the leaking reactor. It isn't surprising, then, to hear of multiple McMurdo Station veterans complaining of multiple cancers given one Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) report detailing how radioactive material reached the living quarters.

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.