U.S. finally contacting veterans

Troops exposed to chemicals to get benefits
By David Zeman

Ten years after first promising to do so, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has begun contacting thousands of World War II military personnel exposed to dangerous chemical tests and inviting them to seek disability benefits.

“Many of these veterans have already sacrificed for their country, above and beyond the normal call of duty,” VA Secretary Jim Nicholson said in a statement formally unveiling the program earlier this month.

“At VA, we will ensure they receive the benefits and care they have earned.”

On March 9, the VA sent 270 letters to military personnel or their families, with more mailings to follow as the agency finds addresses for the veterans, said Jim Benson, a VA spokesman.

The VA opened a toll-free information hotline for veterans or families. The number is 800-749-8387, extension 4.

The VA action follows a Free Press series in November that revealed how the agency broke a 1993 promise to Congress to contact World War II personnel involved in chemical tests, warn them of the health risks and encourage them to file claims.

The VA did not directly contact anyone and instead relied on little-seen public service ads in veterans’ magazines, even though by 1997 the Pentagon had supplied the VA with contact information for about 6,500 soldiers, sailors and other military personnel. All were exposed to mustard agent, lewisite or other toxins during the war.

During the war, at least 4,000 soldiers and sailors were exposed to tests in gas chambers or training fields saturated with toxins.

The military was researching the effectiveness of combat gear and ointments in potential chemical attacks. The men were ordered not to discuss the tests.

Thousands of military workers who built or transported chemical weapons also were exposed to deadly toxins. An untold number died of cancers and other illnesses linked to the chemicals.

Information about the testing and VA benefits is available on the department’s Web site. Go to www.va.gov and enter the keyword mustard. To read the Free Press series, go to www.freep.com/specials.