Updated Jan 25, 2022
In This Section |
This section contains the topic “Rating Claims Based on Participation in Project SHAD.”
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1. Rating Claims Based on Participation in Project SHAD
Introduction |
This topic contains information on claims based on participation in Project SHAD, including
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Change Date |
August 7, 2015
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VIII.iii.6.B.1.a. Background on Project SHAD |
From 1962 to 1974, the Department of Defense (DoD) conducted the Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD) Project to identify the vulnerabilities of U.S. warships to chemical and biological warfare agents.
Reference: For more information on development and other considerations for claims based on participation in Project SHAD, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 6.A.
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VIII.iii.6.B.1.b. Considering SC on Direct and Presumptive Bases |
The determination of whether to award service connection (SC) for a disease or injury claimed as related to participation in Project SHAD is not limited to an evaluation on that basis. SC should also be considered on other bases to include on a direct basis.
Note: There are no presumptive conditions or disabilities recognized as common to Project SHAD. DoD used more than 140 agents in testing with differing durations, dosage, and methods of exposure, and noted that an Institute of Medicine study conducted between the years of 1982 and 1985 found no significant long-term health effects in participants.
Important: While the DoD study conducted between 1982 and 1985 found no significant long-term health effects of exposure, if a Veteran asserts exposure/testing outside of the dates recognized as potential dates with likely exposure, request clarification of the claim in accordance with M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 6.A.1.b prior to performing rating action.
Reference: For more information on requesting medical opinions for SHAD participants, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 6.A.2.e.
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VIII.iii.6.B.1.c. Identification of Project SHAD Issues on the Codesheet |
When completing the SUBJECT field on the ISSUE MANAGEMENT tab in Veterans Benefits Management System – Rating (VBMS-R), end the description of the disability with [SHAD] regardless of whether the issue is being awarded or denied. This will clearly identify the SHAD Project claimed issues, or those issues which the decision maker has decided are related to the Project 112/SHAD Project, on the Codesheet.
Example: Scar, right upper extremity [SHAD].
Reference: For more information on entering decisions in VBMS-R, see the VBMS Rating User Guide.
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