VA still seeking Vets exposed in Cold War Tests (Project 112/SHAD)

U.S. Veteran's Administration ^ | Arpil 14, 2005 | Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

VA Contacts “Project SHAD” Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun to contact veterans (since 2002) who participated in certain military tests involving biological and chemical warfare materials during the 1960s about medical care and benefits to which they may be entitled.

“We are committed to helping every veteran who took part in these tests,” said Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “If we find any medical problems or disabilities we can attribute to Project SHAD, we’ll ensure these veterans receive the benefits they deserve.”

From 1963 through 1970, the Department of Defense (DoD) conducted tests to determine the effectiveness of shipboard detection and protective measures against chemical and biological threats and to determine the potential risk to American forces. The tests were conducted under the broad heading of Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD).

While much about the tests is still classified, DoD has begun to declassify the information VA would need to evaluate a veteran's application for benefits. Medically significant information from twelve tests with 4,300 participants -- "Autumn Gold," "Copper Head," "Shady Grove," "Eager Belle" (phases I and II), and "Scarlet Sage," "Fearless Johnny," "Flower Drum" (phases I and II), "DTC Test 68-50," "DTC Test 69-32," and "Purple Sage," -- has been declassified and released to VA.

VA will review the medical condition of Project SHAD veterans for unusual patterns of illness. Any eligible veteran's medical problem linked to Project SHAD can be treated at VA medical facilities and, potentially, qualify the veteran for VA disability compensation.

Veterans who believe their health may have been affected by these tests should contact the SHAD helpline at 1-800-749-8387 or contact VA by e-mail at shadhelpline@vba.va.gov

[Jeff Head]

For the last three years, the US Government has been trying to find, through the VA Administration and other organizations, veterans who may have been exposed to potentially harmful agents during testing from the early 1960's through the early 1970's in the U.S. Navy's Project SHAD program, and the U.S. Army's Project 112.

Legislation has also been passed by the U.S. Congress to also help the veterans. Some of those benefits are due to expire on December 21, 2005.

If any Freepers or any others know any US Army, U.S. Navy, U.S> Marine or other servicemen who may have been exposed, please have them contact the Veterans Administration immediately, and potentially their congressional representatoives because some of those projects remain classified.

Here are some links:

VA Contacts Project SHAD veterans

DOD Announces Expanded Project 112/SHAD Investigation

VA Supports Project SHAD Veterans

H.R. 2433 Health Care for Veterans of Project 112/Project SHAD Act of 2003

VA Site on Project 112/Project SHAD

VA Pocket Guide to Project 112/SHAD Exposure

Vietnam Veterans of America Site on Project SHAD

The VVA Veteran, 2002 Editorial on SHAD/Project 112

[Jeff Head]

FYI...the search for these vets is ongoing and numbers are estimated now at perhaps as many as 10,000 involved. If you know of any vets who may have participated and may have health related issues as a result, please have them contact the VA. They deserve and need the help and every consideration we can give them.

[Jeff Head]

FYI.

[Vn_survivor_67-68]

Where is the most complete and accurate list of exposure data?

Been there, done that with the wee wee aye, ESG, and VA over AO!

[Jeff Head]

FYI...thought you guys may be interested in getting this a little exposure so no vet misses out on any potential benefits and help.

[Jeff Head]

Thge VA Has the two following links:

Deployment LINK - Project 112 Test Chart

DeploymentLINK - Ships Associated with SHAD Tests

But I am afraid that those are only the ones that have been declassified. If someone suspects they were involved in others not declassified, I believe they should contact the VA and their representatives.

[Lancey Howard]

BUMP!

[Jeff Head]

FYI.

[Jeff Head]

Thanks fot the BUMP...hopefully a few vets on these boards or others will find the info helpful and get any help them may require.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Eastbound]

BTTT!

[Jeff Head]

Thanks EB abd AG. There are still potentially lots of vets involved in that testing who do not know they can get relief...and who need to find out and come forward IMHO. Anything we can do to help them is a trust we owe them IMHO. This is my own small effort here on FR.

[Alamo-Girl]

Kudos to you, Jeff Head! And here's another bump for your effort!

[B4Ranch]

ping

Know anyone who was involved? Pass this on please.

[Jeff Head]

Thanks again AG!

[Jeff Head]

Thanks for the ping B4...hope it helps some of these folks, or leads to those who can do more.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

From 1963 through 1970, the Department of Defense (DoD) conducted tests to determine the effectiveness of shipboard detection and protective measures against chemical and biological threats and to determine the potential risk to American forces. The tests were conducted under the broad heading of Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD).

---

Legislation has also been passed by the U.S. Congress to also help the veterans.
Some of those benefits are due to expire on December 21, 2005.

[Jeff Head]

Oops...that should have been December 31st, 2005, I believe and it involves suspension of copay through that time. My bad.

[Bella_Bru]

Thanks for the ping.

Some of those benefits are due to expire on December 21, 2005.

Will that legislation be renewed? What can we do to make sure it is? It should never be an issue to make sure our Vets are taken care of.

[B4Ranch]

VA and IOM To Study Project SHAD Health Effects

http://www.iom.edu

http://www.va.gov/SHAD