Project 112 and Project SHAD: VA presumptive conditions and claims

Project 112 and Project SHAD: chemical and biological testing

Project 112 and its naval arm Project SHAD were Cold War DoD tests of chemical and biological agents on service members, often without their knowledge. VA recognizes participants for exposure-related claims.

Who is covered

Exposures and service VA recognizes:

Project 112 / Project SHAD - DoD Chem-Bio Warfare Testing
January 1, 1962 – December 31, 1974
Project 112 was a series of DoD-conducted chemical and biological warfare tests from 1962 to 1974. Project SHAD was the at-sea component. Claims adjudicated case-by-case.

To see how these conditions combine with others, use the combined-rating calculator.

Documents VA asks for

DD-214: service period 1962-1974
DoD Project 112/SHAD fact sheet: confirms participation in specific test event
Personnel records / ship deck logs: documents presence at test
Medical evidence of nexus: VA decides case-by-case

Related guides: Intent to File · C&P exam preparation · nexus letters

Legal authority and sources

VA recognition; DoD declassified fact sheets

The exposure catalog with primary sources is free in VA Ready for iOS, Vet Ready for Android and VA Ready for Windows; Pro adds Claim Intel and the full 38 CFR rating criteria for every condition.

Presumptive conditions, eligible locations, and dates are summarized from VA.gov and the cited authorities and can change. Always confirm current eligibility at VA.gov or with a VA-accredited representative. VA Ready is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and this page is not legal or medical advice.