WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun to contact veterans 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.”
The initial VA notifications involved 622 of about 4,300 veterans already identified as participants in Project SHAD. This is the first of a continuing series of letters that will be mailed until all identified participants have been notified.
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.
The Defense Department has given VA information for each of these tests identifying the ships and units involved, dates of the tests, test locations, information about the materials used and possible health effects associated with the materials tested. The tests involved mostly members of the Navy.
DoD’s investigation is continuing and Secretary Principi has asked that information be shared with VA as it is declassified.
Current information indicates any medical problems associated with exposure to the substances used in the tests, or during clean-up operations, would have been apparent shortly after the exposure.
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.
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