VA Benefits: Hundreds of Veterans Could Get Up to $150,000 Under New Bill
Summary
A new bill called the Radiation Exposure Reauthorization Act of 2026 would allow veterans involved in Cold War nuclear cleanup missions to get a one-time payment up to $150,000. It would expand the current Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include veterans from specific nuclear sites and increase the types of illnesses covered.Key Facts
- The bill targets veterans who took part in cleanup work at Enewetak Atoll (Marshall Islands), Palomares (Spain), and Thule (Greenland).
- These sites were locations of nuclear accidents or testing that left behind radioactive contamination.
- Veterans exposed to radiation during cleanup missions often face cancers, heart disease, and other health problems.
- The bill would increase the maximum compensation payment from $75,000 to $150,000.
- It would also extend the deadline for filing claims until December 31, 2042.
- The legislation is expected to be introduced by Representative James Moylan and a bipartisan group soon.
- Fewer than 6,000 veterans served at these sites, with only several hundred still living.
- Previously, these veterans were excluded from federal compensation programs even though some illnesses are now presumed to be connected to radiation exposure.
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