Enewetak Atoll Cleanup (Marshall Islands)
What Enewetak Atoll cleanup is
- Cleanup of plutonium, americium, cesium-137, and strontium-90 contamination across six islands of Enewetak Atoll.
- Construction of the Runit Dome — a concrete cap entombing approximately 110,000 cubic yards of radioactive debris.
- Cleanup workers were not categorized as 'radiation-exposed veterans' under § 3.309(d) until the added them in 2022.
Who was exposed
- Approximately 4,000 U.S. servicemembers assigned to the Enewetak cleanup between January 1, 1977 and December 31, 1980.
- Includes Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps support personnel, engineers, and medical staff.
Recognized conditions & VA framework
- Following the of 2022, Enewetak cleanup veterans are 'radiation-exposed veterans' under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) and qualify for the presumptive list of radiogenic cancers (including leukemia, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and many solid-organ cancers).
- is presumptive for the listed cancers if the participated in the cleanup during the covered window.
Evidence to gather
- DD-214 and unit records confirming Enewetak cleanup participation between Jan 1, 1977 and Dec 31, 1980.
- DoD roster confirmation of cleanup participation.
- Diagnosis records for the listed radiogenic cancer.
Claim path
- File citing 'Enewetak Atoll cleanup' and the listed radiogenic condition.
- Attach service records and DoD roster confirmation.
- If a prior pre-PACT-Act denial exists, file a — the change is new and relevant evidence.
Where these claims break down
- ×Assuming the old (pre-2022) denial controls — the PACT Act changed the legal framework and reopens these claims.
- ×Filing for a non-listed condition under the presumption — non-listed conditions require direct service connection with a nexus opinion.
- ×Not confirming participation on the DoD roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
Have questions about your specific case?
Every veteran's facts are different. A free initial consultation with a VA-Accredited Claims Agent can tell you whether your matter is a fit for representation — and what the right next step looks like either way.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made. Each claim is decided on its individual facts.
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