Prostate Cancer and Atomic Veterfans

Involved in Atomic testing at Johnston Islands in 1962, got out of the Navy 1964, 2012 developed prostate cancer, 7 years now with fighting VA, i feel caused by the Atomic tests.
Any other vets here involved in same problem.
Prostate removed in 2012, 3 years later 39 radiation treatments, been good now since 2015, psa at .02 for last two years.

woodyvt -

I'm sure you're already very familar with the VA's procedures regarding treatment/compensation for radiation issues resulting from possibly service-connected exposure.

But as an information item for others reading this thread who aren't, and who may want to know more of the details:

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/radiation/benefits/index.asp

It's too bad there isn't a presumptive condition clause for radiation, as is the case. for example, with veterans who served in Vietnam and later developed PCa.

But keep trying with the VA. It often does happen that if a veteran just works at it long enough, the VA eventually comes around, sees things his way, and the benefits start.

I know of at least one Navy vet right here on this forum for whom that turned out to be the case. He just kept working through the denials, and eventually got a 100% disability rating as I recall.

As an FYI aside - This was a decade after you left the Navy so doesn't involve you - Johnston Island was used in the 70s the disposal site for thousands of barrels of Agent Orange left over from the Vietnam war. The stuff was shipped to Johnston Island and burned. I believe this was done but the army. But if anyone here was ever stationed on or near Johnston Island I would recommend contacting the VA for health issues potentially linked to atomic exposure or Agent Orange.
Jim

woodyvt -

One more comment from me too.

Have you been working with a VSO (Veterans Service Officer)? If you haven't you really should consider doing so. Their services are free, available from the reputable veterans services organizations as well as state agencies (see link below), and they have the kind of experience dealing with the VA and others that can greatly simplify the application process, both beginning and ongoing.

I assume you have already been in contact with one, but if you have not it's something well worth looking into.

https://nvf.org/veteran-service-officers/

woodyvt said...
Involved in Atomic testing at Johnston Islands in 1962, got out of the Navy 1964, 2012 developed prostate cancer, 7 years now with fighting VA, i feel caused by the Atomic tests.
Any other vets here involved in same problem.
Prostate removed in 2012, 3 years later 39 radiation treatments, been good now since 2015, psa at .02 for last two years.

Was in the Marine Corps for 26 years spent my first 10 working around Nukes, Got diagnosed 5/19 had RALP in 8/19, starting my battle with VA as we speak. Any tips, hints, or help would be appreciated.

Today, VA benefits are largely determined by the veterans income level..Veterans are classified by category, one through eight. The lower numbers get the most benefits..I have no service connected injuries or disabilities but my income makes me a "Cat-5" which provides me with full medical treatment including drugs for a very modest, fixed, co-pay. I had never used any VA medical services but when the co-pays under Medicare for Zytiga became a burden for me I checked out the VA and discovered I could get drugs through them along with virtually all medical services...The VA system works differently than the private system we are all used to..But once you "learn the system" and adjust to it it works very smoothly. I have no complaints..The care I get equals or exceeds the care provided by Medicare and or private insurance..