VA 6% solution for SHAD veterans

June 21, VCS in the News: VA Grants Only Six Percent of SHAD Veteran Disability Claims

Erica Werner


Associated Press

Jun 19, 2008

"These numbers are shocking, disgraceful and disappointing and reflect poorly on VA," said Paul Sullivan, executive director of Veterans for Common Sense.

Low approval rate for vets' chemical tests claims

June 19, 2008, Washington, DC (AP) — The Veterans Affairs Department has granted only 6 percent of health claims filed by veterans of secret Cold War chemical and germ warfare tests conducted by the Pentagon, according to figures obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

Veterans advocates called the number appallingly low.

By comparison, about 88 percent of processed claims from Gulf War vets were granted as of last year, according to VA documents. More than 90 percent of processed claims from Iraq and Afghanistan vets were granted as of earlier this year.

During the tests thousands of service members were exposed, often without their knowledge, to real and simulated chemical and biological agents, including sarin and VX.
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http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/ArticleID/10438