Veteran Makes a Life Changing Discovery for Himself and Shares with Other Veterans

U.S. Army Veteran Ernest Davis was able to make a life-changing discovery and was able to share his findings with other radiation-exposed Veterans. Davis has a long medical history due to his radiation exposure during his military service. 

Mr. Davis served from 1975 to 1989 and was sent to Marshall Island for Enewetak Atoll Radiation Cleanup which lasted between 1977 to 1980. 

Since the addition of the PACT Act of 2022, Enewetak Atoll is now a radiation presumptive location. This gives Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances access to VA health care. 

Since Davis already had a 100% compensation rating Davis was not directly impacted by the PACT Act but he still helps his fellow Veterans struggling with radiation exposure to seek help and screening from the VA. 

Before the signing of the PACT Act, Davis started receiving care at the Wilmington VA in 2008. His health was on a severe decline, and he had lost his ability to walk. He had a multitude of health issues requiring surgery that was linked to his radiation exposure. 

“Right before I started coming to Wilmington VA everything had took a turn for the worse and I started becoming immobile,” said Davis.

Six years after being treated by his now retired Wilmington VA primary care doctor, Robert Dewey, he was back on his feet. 

“My primary care doctor was almost in tears one day when I was able to walk down the hall,” said Davis. 

Most recently, Davis has suffered from several gout attacks, and he could not pinpoint the cause. During multiple conversation with Wilmington VA Pharmacist Dr. April Bush, she mentioned his gout may be caused by something else. When he mentioned this to an outside provider after a knee replacement, it was discovered he was suffering from pseudogout linked to his radiation exposure.

Since Davis is a board member of Children of Atomic Veterans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of radiogenic cancers and the impacts of radiation exposure, he presented the information to them. 

“I believe the small bits of information that she has given me could save many lives,” said Davis. “It has been a game changer in my treatment.”

The Children of Atomic Veterans were able to share Davis’ story with other Veterans that were exposed to radiation. 

Davis was present on August 10, 2022, when President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law in Washington D.C. It might not have impacted him directly, but it helped his fellow radiation-affected Veterans and brought attention to radiation issues he had been struggling with ever since his service.

“I was able to tell President Biden of how the Wilmington VA Medical Center has been the center of my praise by literally rebuilding me,” said Davis.

Davis was able to make President Joe Biden smile that day when he gave praise to the Wilmington VA in Delaware, the president’s home state. 

“The expansion of the PACT Act gave us an opening,” said Davis. “I do applaud Wilmington VA Medical Center above all. I know with the PACT Act there will be many more claims.” 

The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. For more information on the PACT Act and how to file a claim go to The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs or call 1-800-698-2411.

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