Environmental Health Registry Evaluation for Veterans

Larry D. Moore

The VA’s health registry evaluation is a free, voluntary medical assessment for Veterans who may have been exposed to certain environmental hazards during military service. The evaluations alert Veterans to possible long-term health problems that might be related to exposure to specific environmental hazards during their military service. The VA has established several health registries to track and monitor the health of specific groups of Veterans. The registry data helps the VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.

Environmental health registries offer medical assessments that are:

• Free to eligible Veterans. No co-payment
• Available regardless of enrollment in the VA’s health care system
• Based on recollection of service, not on military records
• Available for additional evaluations if new problems develop
• Not a disability compensation exam or required for other VA benefits

You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these health registries:

• Agent Orange Registry
• Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
• Gulf War Registry (includes operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn)
• Ionizing Radiation Registry
• Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program
• Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center

Visit: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/benefits/registry-evaluation.asp

Veterans may contact their local VA Environmental Health Coordinator about registry evaluations or health concerns related to military exposures.

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
8787 Brookpark Road
Parma, OH 44129

Nadine Lawrence
(216) 739-7000 x 40352
Nadine.Sanders@va.gov
Fax: (216) 739-7094

The registry evaluation is separate from the VA’s disability compensation process and does not confirm exposure to environmental hazards during military service. Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation for exposure-related health problems must file a claim for disability compensation. During the claim process, the VA will check military records to verify exposure to the claimed environmental hazard or qualifying military service. If necessary, the VA will set up a specific compensation examination.

In Appreciation,

Executive Director