Public Health
Health Care for Veterans Exposed to Radiation
VA offers health care benefits for Veterans who were exposed to radiation during military service. These services may include an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam and clinical treatment at VA's War Related Illness and Injury Study Center.
Eligibility for health care
Veterans first must enroll in VA’s health care system to receive care. There are many ways a Veteran may qualify for VA health care, including:
- Exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- Have a military service-connected disability
- Meet certain income criteria
Find out if you qualify for VA health care.
Apply online for VA health care.
Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam
If you were exposed to ionizing radiation during military service, you may be eligible for an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam.
VA’s Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam is a free, voluntary medical exam to track the special health concerns of Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during their military service. The collected data enables VA to understand and address health problems more effectively.
Treatment at War Related Illness and Injury Study Center
VA's War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) provides clinical expertise for Veterans with deployment health concerns or difficult-to-diagnose illnesses. WRIISCs are in three locations: Washington, DC; East Orange, NJ; and Palo Alto, CA.
For an appointment at a WRIISC, you need to get a referral. You must be enrolled in and receiving VA health care. Learn how to get a referral to a WRIISC.
