What is Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD), and how can veterans get VA disability benefits for it?

What is Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD), and how can veterans get VA disability benefits for it?

The acronym SHAD stands for Shipboard Hazard and Defense: a type of specialized toxic exposure that some veterans in the Navy have been affected by. The exposures are a result of Project SHAD, which we'll explain in this blog, along with its impact on veterans and how they can earn service connection for it.

Here's what veterans should know about Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD) and how to earn service-connection for it:

What was Project SHAD?

It all began with Project SHAD, a series of ship-based and land-based tests run by the Department of Defense to identify any weak points of warships against chemical and biological warfare agents. Due to the exposure to both live and stimulant agents, some veterans have developed the following chronic illnesses later in life:

• Respiratory illnesses

• Neurological disorders

• Autoimmune diseases

• Cancers

Most of the veterans within proximity to Project SHAD were in the Navy and Marine Corps, with a small group from the Army and Air Force as well.

SHAD is a Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA)

Toxic Exposure Risk Activity has been shortened to TERA by the VA, which refers to any military activities such as combat or training that have exposed veterans to toxic and harmful substances. Even though SHAD falls under this umbrella, it's not considered presumptive – meaning you won't automatically qualify for VA disability benefits like you would with other instances like burn pits or Agent Orange.

Even though the PACT Act, which passed back in 2022, allowed more conditions to be presumptive – unfortunately, SHAD was not included at the time. Read more about the PACT Act here to learn about what is included.

So, how can veterans earn service-connection for SHAD?

It's still possible for veterans to earn service-connection (and therefore VA disability benefits) for SHAD, but it's not as easy since there are no presumptive conditions under SHAD. For starters, veterans need to make sure they meet the 3 criteria necessary to file a claim with the VA – you can read about those here.

Once you've covered those basics, you can request SHAD participation verification from the VA. The M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 6, Section A has a chart explaining how veterans participation is verified by the VA:

The rest of the process has to do with compiling the right documentation to prove that your condition is service-connected. This includes medical documentation, and additional claim materials such as a Nexus Letter or DBQ. You can also bolster your claim with a personal statement or lay evidence, to add some extra context around your condition and timeline of symptoms.

Get the documentation you need for your VA disability benefits claim

A strong VA disability benefits claim starts with proper documentation. Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – we can help you get what you need to be prepared. Sign up for a chart review, and view other services here. Instead of going it alone, work with one of our professional medical experts to get exactly what you need.