Veterans Affairs (VA) mustard gas or the chemical weapon Lewisite

VA Reaches Out to Veterans Exposed to Mustard Agents

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a national outreach campaign to locate veterans who were exposed to mustard gas or the chemical weapon Lewisite during their service.

"Many of these veterans have already sacrificed for their country, above and beyond the normal call of duty,' said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "At VA, we will ensure they receive the benefits and care they have earned."

Most of these veterans participated in chemical testing programs during World War II. They were exposed to mustard agents, which includes sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustard, and Lewisite, which is a blister-producing chemical that contains organic arsenic.

VA launched an awareness campaign in 1993 about benefits for veterans exposed to chemical warfare materials. This new effort includes direct mailings to veterans newly identified by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Most of these “mustard gas veterans” took part in DoD tests during World War II. The tests were designed to evaluate clothing, ointments and equipment that would protect American troops from mustard agent attacks.

As part of those tests, DoD reported some participants were exposed to a drop of a chemical-warfare agent on an arm, while others had full-body exposure in test chambers, sometimes with limited protective clothing. According to DoD, approximately 4,500 service members were exposed to these agents.

VA is mailing information to the veterans and survivors within the first group of participants identified by DoD. The information covers VA medical and financial benefits, data about the effects of exposure to chemical warfare agents, and telephone numbers for VA and DoD offices involved in the outreach campaign. VA is continuing to seek addresses for additional veterans and survivors.

VA invites veterans to file disability compensation claims for any condition related to service, including exposure to mustard agents and Lewisite.

Veterans or their survivors with questions about these benefits should contact VA at 1-800-749-8387 or visit VA’s benefits Web site at vba.va.gov.

# # # People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe at the following Internet address: va.gov/opa/pressrel/ March 17, 2005