Secret tests on veterans exposed

VFW Magazine, August, 2002 by Tim Dyhouse

A new bill could ultimately provide VA benefits to veterans unknowingly exposed to toxic substances during Cold War-era tests. The Veterans Right-to-Know Act of 2002--H.R. 5060--focuses on veterans involved in a series of tests between 1963-69.

Known as SHAD (shipboard hazard and defense), the tests were designed to assess U.S. warships' weaknesses to chemical or biological attacks and how best to respond while remaining battle-ready. They could have exposed some 4,000 mostly Navy personnel, but Marines, soldiers and airmen also participated.

The Pentagon has identified only 622 veterans involved in 34 tests, but there may have been more than 100 tests. They were conducted by the U.S. Army Deseret Test Center at various locations, such as off Newfoundland in the Atlantic Ocean and off San Diego and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. At least one was held at Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

H.R. 5060 requires the General Accounting Office to report within six months the number of tests, their objectives, the types of toxic substances used and the number of servicemen and civilians involved. It also orders VA to find the veterans who participated and provide them medical care and benefits.

The legislation was introduced June 27 and had yet to be considered by the House VA Committee at press time.

Veterans who believe their health was affected by the tests can contact the SHAD Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 or e-mail at shadhelpline@ vba.va.gov.