Do new VA lists show exposure to depleted and enriched Uranium as a presumptive for VA Health Care?

SP5 Gerald Rucks — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 16:05:58 -0500

Do new VA lists show exposure to depleted and enriched Uranium as a presumptive for VA Health Care ?

Response by COL Randall C. made Feb 2 at 2023 4:36 PM

COL Randall C. — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 16:36:00 -0500

The VA does not provide health care or disability compensation for 'exposure' - they only provide those for service connected injuries or illnesses. If you don't have an injury or illness, then enjoy your health!!!! If at a later point you develop something that can be tied back to your service, then at that point the VA will proceed with benefits you're eligible for.

Do you have an illness or injury from your time in the service? If you believe that you might have some conditions tied to DU exposure, read through the webpage* at the VA detailing possible exposure and health issues.
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* https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/depleted_uranium/

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Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 2 at 2023 4:52 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 16:52:02 -0500

Reach out to a service officer from DAV or VFW for help with a claim

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2023 5:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 17:51:00 -0500

Presumptive just means if you have certain conditions, such as certain cancers that are prevalent in people who were at those locations, then the VA automatically presumes it was service connected. You no longer have to struggle to prove your lung cancer is connected to burn pits.

Response by Lt Col Roger Helbig made Sep 28 at 2023 8:46 AM

Lt Col Roger Helbig — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 08:46:14 -0400

Why do you think that you were exposed to uranium? The vast majority of information about uranium on the internet is not accurate. The most accurate report I have found is from Portugal http://www.ctn.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/docum/relat/kosovo/rel_final_ing170401.pdf

rel_final_ing170401.pdf

Response by Cristina Johnson made Oct 16 at 2024 3:33 AM

Cristina Johnson — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 03:33:09 -0400

Exposure to depleted uranium has been linked to health issues among Gulf War veterans, yet due to the lack of conclusive evidence, there is currently no presumption of service connection.
However, suppose a veteran can demonstrate high exposure to depleted uranium during his service and receive a doctor's opinion that their condition is "as likely as not" caused by this exposure. In that case, he may be able to establish a service connection.
The (VA) Department of Veterans Affairs analyzes these claims and decides case-by-case.
The VA and Department of Defense have established the Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program at the Baltimore VA Medical Center to address this concern.
This program is designed to screen and monitor veterans for health problems associated with depleted uranium exposure.
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/depleted_uranium/followup_program.asp
https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Health-Readiness/Environmental-Exposures/Depleted-Uranium/Medical-Follow-Up

The program focuses on two primary groups:
1 ) veterans who were in vehicles hit by depleted uranium friendly fire
2 ) rescuers who entered burning vehicles or were near burning vehicles or fires involving depleted uranium munitions.

To be eligible for the program, veterans must have served in the conflicts listed: Bosnia, Gulf War, Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation New Dawn.
Recognizing the signs of depleted uranium exposure is crucial for prompt treatment.
Some of the symptoms include:
• weakness
• aching joints
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• neurological disorders
• upper & lower respiratory conditions
• menstrual disorders
If you have any concerns about your exposure to DU during your service, it's crucial to contact the local VA Environmental Health Coordinator or consult with a healthcare provider. Your health is essential, and seeking professional advice is the best way to address potential issues.
Unfortunately, Identifying health problems caused explicitly by depleted uranium exposure can be challenging, as the symptoms often overlap with other health conditions.
Stay informed about potential health risks, especially those related to your service.
God bless.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.