Radiation Exposure & RECA
Benefits for veterans and civilians exposed to ionizing radiation through nuclear weapons testing, occupation of irradiated areas, or uranium mining and processing. Two separate programs exist: VA disability benefits and DOJ RECA compensation.
Who Qualifies for VA Disability Benefits
Veterans who had contact with ionizing radiation through the following qualify for VA presumptive disability benefits:
- Atmospheric nuclear weapons testing participation
- Postwar occupation duties in Hiroshima or Nagasaki
- Prisoner of war in Japan during WWII
- Department of Energy employee-equivalent tasks (Special Exposure Cohort member)
- Underground nuclear weapons testing at Amchitka Island, Alaska
- Gaseous diffusion plant workers: Paducah (KY), Portsmouth (OH), or Oak Ridge (TN)
PACT Act Additions (2022+)
The PACT Act added three new presumptive-exposure locations for radiation:
- Enewetak Atoll cleanup: January 1, 1977 – December 31, 1980
- Palomares, Spain B-52 recovery: January 17, 1966 – March 31, 1967
- Thule Air Force Base, Greenland B-52 fire response: January 21, 1968 – September 25, 1968
Radiation-related illnesses are listed in 38 CFR 3.309(d) and include multiple cancers and other conditions. These presumptive cancers do not require a specific onset timeframe after exposure. (Note: the 5-year latency requirement applies only to radiogenic disease claims under 38 CFR 3.311, not to 3.309(d) presumptive conditions.)
RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act)
RECA is a separate program from VA benefits, administered by the Department of Justice. It provides lump-sum compensation to individuals exposed to radiation.
Current Status
- Originally expired June 7, 2024
- Reauthorized July 4, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21)
- Extended through December 31, 2028
- Claims may be filed through December 31, 2027
- Over $2.9 billion awarded to 45,132 claimants since 1990
2025 RECA Expansion
- Expanded eligibility for downwinders, onsite participants, and uranium industry workers
- New coverage for areas in Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alaska (Manhattan Project waste)
- Expanded uranium worker eligibility: workers employed 1971–1990, core drillers added
- Additional covered illnesses added
How to File
| Program | How to File | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| VA disability | Standard disability claim (VA Form 21-526EZ) referencing radiation exposure | 1-800-827-1000 |
| RECA (DOJ) | DOJ Civil Division application | justice.gov/civil/reca |
| Toxic exposure screening | Request at VA enrollment or healthcare visit | Your VA medical center |
Important: You can file for both VA disability benefits and RECA compensation — they are separate programs. However, RECA Onsite Participant payments are offset by VA disability compensation amounts received for the same illness.
Forms for This Topic
The official VA forms relevant to this page, in one place. Select a form to view, download, or add it to your report.