The term “atomic veteran” refers to a group of U.S. military veterans who have been exposed to radiation from nuclear testing during their service in the armed forces of the United States.

Many testing locations were used by the U.S. government, one of which is Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands. Enewetak is one of the most heavily contaminated places on Earth.

Let’s discuss how Enewatek was turned into a nuclear testing site, who atomic veterans are, and what compensations they can claim.

Enewatek: From Remote Paradise to Nuclear Testing Site

Enewetak Atoll is a chain of islands in the Marshall Islands that was once considered a paradise with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

After the end of World War II, the US took over Enewetak as part of the Pacific Trust Territory until the Marshall Islands became independent in 1986. During the US administration, the residents of the atoll were repeatedly forced to evacuate. Atoll was utilized for nuclear testing by the U.S. as part of a Pacific Proving Ground.

Before the testing started, the bodies of the American servicemen who died in the battle were exhumed and sent back to the US to be buried by their families. From 1948 to 1958, 43 nuclear tests were detonated in Enewatek.

The first hydrogen bomb test, called Operation Ivy Mike, took place in 1952 and blew up the Elugelab islet. This test included B-17 Flying Fortress drones to fly through the radioactive cloud to test onboard samples.

The government started planning to clean up Enewetak in the early 70s after they decided to give the atoll back. About 6,000 Veterans took part in the cleanup, which lasted from May 1977 to May 1980.

The Atomic Veterans

Enewatek nuclear testing took a significant toll on the military personnel involved in conducting, supporting, and observing the nuclear tests. These were recruited from different parts of the world and were called “atomic veterans”.

Other people who were affected were military and civilian contractors who were hired to clean up the atomic waste after the test. They were also called “atomic cleanup veterans” for the same reason. These veterans were exposed to high levels of radiation, which caused several serious health problems, including cancer, leukemia, and birth defects.

What Compensation Atomic Veterans Can Claim?

Atomic veterans and their families can claim $75,000 under the Atomic Veterans Cancer Benefit Program. This program is intended to provide financial compensation to military personnel physically present during testing and who acquired a covered cancer. The eligible survivors, such as children, spouses, and grandchildren, can also claim the benefits.

How Can the National Cancer Benefits Center Help Veterans?

If you or a loved one are among those veterans exposed to radiation due to nuclear testing at Enewetak Atoll and received a diagnosis of cancer or other related serious health conditions, contact us today at the National Cancer Benefits Center to receive the benefits of the Atomic Veterans Cancer Benefit Program. We have been helping veterans file their claims for almost 30 years, and the vast majority of our claims have been successful.

Our team of highly experienced and compassionate providers can help provide you with services, including:

• Prequalification
• Document preparation (this involves proving your identification, medical condition, and presence in the area of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands during the relevant period)
• Research and investigation,
• Claim submittal.

If you would like to find out more about Bikini Atoll and Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands, contact the National Cancer Benefits Center today at (800) 414-4328 or use our request for more information form.