NBC News: ‘Atomic veterans’ overwhelmingly denied benefits for illnesses related to radiation exposure during service
Forgotten Heroes of Enewetak: Atomic Cleanup Veterans Denied Recognition and Support
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies Enewetak Atoll—a tranquil paradise concealing a dark chapter in American military history. From 1977 to 1980, Airman Seeman and his fellow soldiers undertook a grueling mission to cleanse this former atomic battleground, scarred by 43 nuclear bomb tests conducted between 1948 and 1958. Their selfless efforts, carried out under relentless conditions of sweltering heat and high humidity, aimed to make the islands habitable again. Yet, the service of these brave men is marred by decades of governmental neglect and the health toll of radiation exposure.
Working 12-hour shifts in hazardous environments, the soldiers dismantled radioactive debris and confronted the invisible dangers of ionizing radiation. Despite their dedication, they’ve spent decades fighting for recognition and support from the U.S. government. The signing of the PACT Act in August 2022 briefly rekindled hope, expanding benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including the 8,000 atomic cleanup veterans. It promised monthly disability payments to those who suffered due to their service.
Yet, a year later, data obtained by NBC News revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied 86% of these veterans’ claims. Of the approximately 4,100 radiation-related claims processed, only 570 were approved, while more than 3,500 were denied. The heartbreaking reality, voiced by veterans like Kenneth Brownell, echoes the sentiment that “they're waiting for us to die," as time and bureaucratic hurdles compound the veterans’ suffering.
Proving radiation exposure has become a nearly insurmountable task. Veterans suffering from cancers must submit to complex systems of organ-specific radiation dose assessments, making it "virtually impossible" to secure claims. Representative Dina Titus, a historian and advocate, has introduced legislation to reduce this burden of proof, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight for recognition.
As the veterans age—the youngest now in their 60s and the oldest approaching 101—their quest for justice becomes increasingly urgent. The story of Enewetak’s atomic veterans is not just about nuclear tests; it is about forgotten sacrifice, the relentless battle for recognition, and the nation’s moral obligation to those who served. Their service is etched in history, deserving of respect and the long-overdue benefits they so rightly earned.
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