![](media/image1.png){width="0.3770833333333333in"
height="0.2847222222222222in"} **Department of Veterans Affairs**

Chemical and Biological Warfare Testing

The Department of Defense (DoD) conducted certain chemical and
biological warfare testing in support of Project 112 and Project
Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD). During testing, biological and
chemical warfare agents, simulants, tracers, and decontaminates were
used.

# What Was Project 112 and Project SHAD?

Project 112 was DoD's comprehensive program of chemical and biological
warfare vulnerability tests which were conducted to determine how to
protect U.S. troops against these health threats. A series of
operational tests were conducted from 1962 to 1973.

Project SHAD was part of Project 112. These tests were primarily
*shipboard* tests and were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of
shipboard detection of chemical and biological agents, the effectiveness
of protective measures, and risks to U.S. forces. For the land-based
tests, the purpose was generally to learn more about how chemical or
biological warfare agents behave under a variety of environmental
conditions.

Additional DoD information about Project 112/SHAD can be obtained by
calling toll-free 1-800-497-6261 or by visiting DoD's web site at
<http://www.deploymentlink.osd.mil/current_issues/shad/shad_intro.shtml>.

# How Are Project 112/SHAD Veterans Identified? 

DoD has collected, reviewed, and declassified many records. As medically
relevant information was declassified, DoD provided VA with the test
name, date, and location (for SHAD, the name of the ship). DoD also
identified service members who participated in the tests, and may have
been exposed to substances used. DoD reports that about 6,000 veterans
participated in these tests. Most veterans only participated in the
shipboard tests (SHAD).

# Should Test Participants Be Concerned?

Protective measures were used when biological or chemical warfare agents
were tested. Prior research suggests that the other agents, tracers,
chemical simulants, and decontaminants tested are unlikely to cause
long-term health effects without signs of acute toxicity soon after
exposure. Most veterans were exposed to only one or a few of these
agents, but some veterans may have been involved in multiple tests and
repeated exposures.

DoD reports that no veteran is known to have become acutely ill from
exposures during these tests. In a recent VA health care utilization
review, no diagnosis stands out among Project 112/SHAD veterans.
Therefore, there is no "SHAD test" or examination at this time.

# What Is VA Doing About Project 112/SHAD?

VA is contacting veterans identified by DoD, and urging them to have a
clinical evaluation at the nearest VA medical center if they have any
health concerns. VA offers all Project 112/SHAD veterans a complete
"Primary Care New Patient History and Physical Examination" even if the
veteran has previously received health care from VA. Documentation of
each veteran's health condition may be important should future
information on Project 112/SHAD indicate a need for concern. Each VA
medical center has a designated representative to provide information
about Project 112/SHAD. Veterans will be exempt from co-payments for
care or medications required for treatment of any health problem
possibly related to participation in Project 112/SHAD. The initial
clinical evaluation of health conditions possibly due to Project 112 is
also free.

Additionally, VA contracted with the Institute of Medicine in September
2002 to conduct a three-year, three million dollar study of possible
health effects associated with Project SHAD in order to ensure
appropriate health care and assistance for veterans.

####### For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-749-8387

**or Visit Our Web Site at
[www.va.gov/shad/](http://www.va.gov/shad/).**

Compensation & Pension Service -- October 2008