TL;DR — Quick Summary
- What it was: DoD chemical/biological warfare testing from 1962-1974
- Presumptive status: NO presumptive conditions
- Healthcare benefit: Minimum Priority Group 6 for VA health care
- Claims possible: You CAN still file claims linking conditions to exposure
- TERA eligible: Exposure may qualify for TERA medical opinions
What Was Project 112/SHAD?
The Department of Defense's Deseret Test Center in Fort Douglas, Utah, conducted chemical and biological warfare testing aboard ships and on land in various locations from 1962 to 1974.
Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense) was the portion of Project 112 conducted aboard ships.
No Presumptive Conditions
At this time Congress has NOT established any presumptive conditions for those who were exposed during these tests. However, veterans who believe their exposures led to chronic conditions CAN still file a claim.
Available Benefits
VA Health Care
While there are NO presumptive conditions, the VA does provide veterans who were involved in these tests a minimum priority level of Group 6 for VA Health Care.
TERA Medical Opinions
The VA will also consider your exposure under Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA). This means you may be entitled to a C&P exam with a TERA medical opinion if you have a diagnosis or claim symptoms related to your exposure.
Were You Involved?
To identify if you may have been involved in Project 112/SHAD testing, check the DoD fact sheets which list specific tests, locations, and dates.
How to File a Claim
Since there are no presumptive conditions, you'll need to file on a direct basis. When filing:
- Identify your specific exposure through service records or the DoD fact sheets
- Document any current medical conditions you believe are related
- Request the VA consider your claim under TERA for a medical opinion
- Consider obtaining a private nexus opinion from a doctor familiar with chemical/biological exposures