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.