You probably know about nuclear bombs and the devastating effects they can have. But did you know that many soldiers, sailors, and airmen were exposed to radiation while working with such bombs? These brave men and women are known as Atomic Veterans.
In this blog, we will explore who Atomic Veterans are, what they did, and the risks they faced.
What Are Atomic Veterans?
Atomic Veterans are military personnel who were involved in nuclear weapons testing between 1945 and 1962. This includes those who:
- Participated in atmospheric nuclear tests.
- Served with the occupation forces in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, after the atomic bombs were dropped in 1945.
- Worked with or around nuclear materials and reactors
These veterans were exposed to ionizing radiation, which is a type of radiation that can damage cells and DNA in the body.
What Did Atomic Veterans Do?
During the Cold War, the US and other countries conducted a lot of tests with nuclear weapons. Some were done in the air, underwater, and even in space. People who were part of these tests had different jobs.
- Some soldiers watched nuclear explosions to collect information.
- After the explosions, some veterans helped clean up the places where they happened. They were often contaminated with dangerous materials that came from the bombs.
- Some veterans did on-the-ground research to learn about how these bombs affected people and places.
- Soldiers in Hiroshima and Nagasaki were also exposed to radiation after the bombs were dropped.
Health Risks Faced by Atomic Veterans
The biggest risk for Atomic Veterans was exposure to ionizing radiation. This type of radiation can have serious health effects, including the following:
Cancer
Exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, such as:
- Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
- Lung Cancer: Caused by inhaling radioactive particles.
- Thyroid Cancer: The thyroid gland is highly sensitive to radiation.
- Other Cancers: Including skin cancer, bone cancer, and more.
Other Health Issues
In addition to cancer, radiation exposure can cause other health problems, such as:
- Radiation Sickness: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
- Cataracts: Radiation can cause clouding of the eye lens, leading to vision problems.
- Genetic Damage: Potential effects on future generations due to changes in DNA.
Psychological Impact
Besides having physical health problems, many Atomic Veterans also had mental stress because of what they went through. They felt worried and scared about their future health because they were exposed to a lot of radiation.
Recognition and Compensation
For many years, Atomic Veterans did not receive recognition or compensation for the risks they faced. However, over time, efforts have been made to acknowledge their sacrifices:
The Atomic Veterans Service Medal
In 2019, the United States Congress authorized the creation of the Atomic Veterans Service Medal. This medal honors the service and sacrifices of Atomic Veterans.
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was made in 1990 to help people who were exposed to dangerous radiation from nuclear weapons testing and uranium mining.
This includes Atomic Veterans, who are military personnel who participated in atmospheric nuclear tests or served in areas affected by nuclear fallout.
Eligible Atomic Veterans can get compensation and healthcare to help them if they got sick from being around radiation. The compensation is a one-time payment of up to $75,000, and the healthcare includes treatment for cancer and other serious health problems caused by radiation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Compensation for Atomic Veterans
First, make sure you are eligible to be considered an Atomic Veteran under RECA. Then, collect and organize all the important papers that prove your claim.
These may include military records showing your involvement in nuclear testing and medical records documenting any illnesses caused by radiation exposure. You can also include any other evidence that supports your exposure to radiation during your service.
Next, fill out the RECA claim form with detailed information about your service and medical history. Finally, submit your claim either online or by mail through the Department of Justice’s RECA website.
After you turn in your claim, the Department of Justice will review it and make a decision. This may take a while, so be patient. They might need to contact you for more information during this time.
If they say yes to your claim, you will get compensation of up to $75,000. You might also get help paying for medical treatment if you got sick from radiation.
Get Help with the Atomic Veterans Claim Form
If you encounter difficulties or have questions during the application process, consider seeking assistance from our providers here at the Cancer Benefits Center for Downwinders. Our providers can check your eligibility for compensation and file a claim on your behalf.
If you would like to learn more about us, call today at (855) 631-7197. We look forward to serving you!
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