Hegseth Considers Overhauling Benefits for Radiation-Exposed Veterans at Nevada Test Site

---

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a review into supporting legislation that would grant veterans, primarily from the U.S. Air Force, the same benefits as civilians exposed to radiation during operations at the Nevada Test and Training Center (NTTR). This move comes in response to long-standing disparities where military personnel have faced challenges accessing health care and compensation despite their exposure.

At a recent House Appropriations Committee hearing, Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nevada) highlighted the need for reform, urging Hegseth to provide the Veterans Affairs (VA) with necessary documentation to expedite benefits for affected veterans. While Hegseth acknowledged the urgency, he emphasized the need for an internal review before committing to endorsing the bill.

The issue stems from bureaucratic hurdles requiring proof of service at NTTR, which remains classified under Cold War-era regulations. This has left many veterans unable to access benefits under the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act). Advocacy groups like The Invisible Enemy, founded by former Air Force Sgt. Dave Crete, are pushing for recognition and fair compensation.

Legislative efforts, such as the bipartisan Forgotten Veterans Act, aim to bridge this gap, challenging the disparity between benefits provided to Department of Energy (DOE) workers and military personnel. Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto have championed this act, arguing that it is unjust for one government agency to recognize contamination while another does not.

The NTTR's history dates back to 1951 with the first atmospheric atomic bomb test during the "duck-and-cover" era, followed by 927 others until the last underground test in 1992. The site remains a significant area for military training, yet its legacy of radiation exposure continues to affect veterans seeking recognition and support.

This review marks a potential step toward addressing these inequities, offering hope for thousands of veterans who have been overlooked despite their contributions and sacrifices.