Public Health
Benefits Overview for Radiation Exposure
VA offers health registry exams, health care, disability compensation and other benefits to eligible Veterans. Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits.
Health care for Veterans
Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation during military service may be eligible for:
- Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam, a free exam for possible long-term health problems related to ionizing radiation exposure. You don't need to be enrolled in VA health care to take part.
- Health care, a full range of medical benefits. There are many ways a Veteran may qualify.
Disability compensation for Veterans
Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation if they have a service-related disability and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
VA has recognized certain cancers and other diseases related to ionizing radiation exposure during military service.
Learn more about disability compensation and how much VA pays.
Survivors' benefits
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to radiation during military service and died as the result of diseases related to the exposure may be eligible for survivors' benefits.
Additional VA benefits
Read Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors to learn about other VA benefits.
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
Veterans and others who develop certain diseases following their exposure to radiation released during atmospheric nuclear weapons tests may be eligible for compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).
The Department of Justice oversees the RECA program. Learn more about RECA and how to file a claim.
