Atomic vets are on the verge of losing federal benefits. Congress hasn't helped

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Veterans who helped test nuclear weapons are fighting to renew a 34-year-old law meant to help compensate for the long-term health effects of their work.

So-called atomic veterans who worked on nuclear weapons tests, like this one from July 25, 1946 file photo above Bikini atoll in the Marshall Islands, are fighting to renew funds that compensate them for health effects from their work.went to an Oakland, Calif., hospital suffering from a 103-degree fever, a strange facial abscess and an abnormal white blood cell count.

They took the human brunt of deadly ionizing radiation that contaminated nearby lands, water and communities. Many are said to have died of related illnesses. "In some cases, you can't hold a job at all... But on top of the suffering... you have the financial burden," Kiefer said."Often RECA is a difference for these veterans between potentially becoming bankrupt or becoming homeless. So it's you know, it's a godsend."has provided lump sum payments of up to $75,000 to atomic veterans and others sickened by the nuclear testing program.

"Thousands of Americans will lose the lifesaving, literally lifesaving help that they have come to depend on," Hawley said."And people in my state, victims in my state, in New Mexico, other states will get nothing."His father also worked at the Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratory, where the weapon was developed. His father died in his 70s after he was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer.

 

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