[2] The Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Nuclear Test Personnel Review has maintained a database of participants and radiation dose reconstructions since 1978.
[3] John Smitherman was a Navy sailor involved in the 1946 Bikini Atoll nuclear explosions, which resulted in extensive radioactive contamination of the area.
Smitherman was diagnosed with lymphatic system cancer, underwent two leg amputations, and later became president of the National Association of Atomic Veterans.
[10] By this time, however, many thousands of Atomic Veterans, the majority of whom were afflicted with a host of radiation-induced health issues, such as cancer, had taken that "secret"[11] with them, to their graves.
[12][13] The remaining atomic veterans may receive special priority enrollment for health care services from the VA for radiation-related conditions.
[20] Epidemiological studies of atomic veterans have shown exposure to radiation to be associated with several disorders including leukemia, various cancers and cataracts.
[26] Since 2010, Australian Defence Force personnel who participated in the British nuclear tests have been eligible for compensation and health care benefits for medical conditions related to their service.