VA Disability Benefits Attorney for Radiation

VA Benefits Attorney for Veterans Throughout the U.S. Exposed to Radiation

For veterans who have been exposed to ionizing radiation during their military service that led to diseases, illnesses, or other conditions, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide disability benefits. These benefits are designed to provide veterans with the financial resources needed to support themselves when debilitating conditions have affected their ability to maintain employment. If you are a veteran who has experienced medical issues due to radiation exposure, it is important to understand the types of conditions that may qualify for benefits and the procedures you will need to follow when filing claims or appeals.

At The Vet Law Office, we work with veterans to ensure that illnesses, diseases, and other debilitating conditions related to military service will be addressed correctly. Attorney Farmer's experience as a disabled veteran and a legal representative for service members who are seeking VA benefits has provided him with insight into the importance of addressing these issues correctly. He is ready to fight for you as you file claims with the VA and demonstrate your eligibility for benefits that will help you meet your ongoing needs.

Medical Issues Resulting from Radiation Exposure

Radiation exposure can lead to various health problems, some of which may not manifest until years after the initial exposure. The types of medical issues that veterans may experience as a result of radiation exposure include:

• Cancer: Ionizing radiation has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, brain cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.
• Non-cancerous diseases: In addition to cancer, radiation exposure can also cause non-cancerous diseases such as cataracts, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Reproductive disorders: Both male and female veterans exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation may experience infertility or an increased risk of birth defects in their children.

Certain forms of cancer are considered to be "presumptive conditions," meaning that a veteran will not need to demonstrate that these diseases were directly related to their military service. Veterans with presumptive conditions may automatically qualify for disability benefits. Other conditions may also be eligible for benefits if they are service-connected.

Military Service Leading to Radiation Exposure

Veterans who served in specific occupations or participated in certain events during their military service are more likely to have been exposed to ionizing radiation. Some examples of military service that may have resulted in radiation exposure include:

• Nuclear weapons testing: Atmospheric and underground tests of nuclear weapons conducted during the Cold War era may have resulted in exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation. Qualifying service may be related to atmospheric weapons tests in Nevada and the Pacific Ocean between 1945 and 1962, underground tests in Nevada between 1963 and 1992, or underground testing at Amchitka Island, Alaska before 1974.
• Occupational exposure: Military personnel who worked in occupations involving nuclear power plants, nuclear reactors, or handling radioactive materials may have been exposed to radiation. Qualifying service may include work at gaseous diffusion plants in Paducah, Kentucky; Portsmouth, Ohio; or Oak Ridge Tennessee before February 1, 1992.
• Cleanup missions: Veterans may have been exposed to radiation during operations involving radiological cleanup of certain locations, including Enewatak Atoll between 1977 and 1980; Palomares, Spain between 1966 and 1967; and Thule Air Force Base in Greenland in 1968.

If you served in any of these capacities and subsequently developed medical conditions associated with radiation exposure, you may automatically qualify for VA disability benefits. You may also be able to receive benefits if you can demonstrate that you suffered illnesses or medical conditions that were connected to radiation exposure in other service-connected situations.

Potential Benefits for Eligible Veterans

Veterans who are approved for VA disability benefits due to radiation exposure can receive various forms of compensation. These benefits may include:

• Monthly disability payments: If your claim is approved, you will receive monthly payments based on the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities.
• Healthcare Benefits: Approved veterans are eligible for comprehensive healthcare coverage through the VA system. This includes access to medical care related to specific conditions resulting from radiation exposure.

Contact Our United States Veterans' Disability Benefits Lawyer for Radiation Exposure

If you have questions about your eligibility for benefits as a disabled veteran, or if you need to respond to the denial of a disability claim, The Vet Law Office can provide you with experienced, dedicated legal help. We can guide you through the process of filing claims, help gather necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the benefits you need. Contact us at 1-800-700-4174 to set up a consultation and get help with your VA disability claim.