EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Radiation Exposure
DC 6299 | 38 CFR § 3.309(d), § 3.311 |
Radiation Exposure is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6299 of 38 CFR § 3.309(d), § 3.311 across 1 severity tier (Rated on resulting conditions). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Thyroid Cancer or Leukemia under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Conditions resulting from ionizing-radiation exposure during military service, including atmospheric nuclear testing (1945-1962), occupation of Hiroshima/Nagasaki, post-WWII cleanup operations, nuclear accident response, and other documented radiation-risk activities. Specific cancers are presumptive under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) for "radiation-exposed veterans," with additional cancers eligible for service connection on a direct basis under § 3.311 after dose reconstruction.
RATING CRITERIA (1 LEVELS)
Rated on resulting conditions
Toxic exposure is not itself rated. Each resulting condition is rated under its own diagnostic code. The exposure provides the nexus for presumptive service connection.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (10 MAPPED)
DC
Radiation-induced thyroid malignancy
DC
Radiation-induced blood cancer
DC
Radiation exposure increases breast cancer risk
DC
Radiation-induced malignancy
DC
Radiation affects bone tissue
DC
GI tract radiation exposure
DC
Thyroid damage from radiation
DC
Radiation damages lens
DC
Radiation suppresses bone marrow
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SECONDARY CONDITIONS
MORE IN TOXIC EXPOSURE
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026