Mustard Gas & Lewisite

Sometimes the VBA makes a mistake or they are missing evidence that would indicate you are an eligible veteran with a diagnosed condition. If this happens, it is strongly recommended that you seek out the assistance of a VSO to help you file an Appeal.

Additionally, you may be denied if:

• Documentation shows your exposure was due to willful misconduct
• A supervening condition or event after separation was more likely the cause of your disease

You can submit a request to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) for your complete service records. If exposure records exist but weren't in your file, they may be located. You can also submit:

• Buddy statements from fellow service members who can verify your presence at exposure locations
• Unit records or orders showing assignment to exposure locations
• Medical records from the time period showing treatment for exposure symptoms

If documentation cannot be found, you may still be able to claim service connection on a direct basis (non-presumptive) with sufficient medical evidence.

Possibly. Veterans who demolished or handled explosive ordnance during Operation Iraqi Freedom may have been exposed to mustard agents. You'll need documentation of your exposure, such as:

• Orders or records showing assignment to ordnance disposal
• Incident reports documenting chemical exposure
• Medical records showing treatment after exposure

Both are vesicant (blister) agents, but they have different chemical compositions:

• Mustard gas (sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustard) - causes blistering of skin and mucous membranes
• Lewisite - an organoarsenic compound that also causes blistering

The key difference for VA claims is that some conditions (like acute non-lymphocytic leukemia) are ONLY presumptive for mustard gas exposure, not Lewisite.