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.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
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. The illness must have started within a specified timeframe after exposure.
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 for 6 more years through June 2028
- Claims may be filed through December 31, 2027
- Over $2.6 billion awarded to 41,000+ 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 and one does not affect the other.