Nuclear Workers' Health Claims Delayed by U.S. Government Pause

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

In August 2025, many U.S. nuclear workers found themselves in a difficult situation. The government decided to pause the review of their medical compensation claims, leaving them without the support they had been hoping for.

Who Are These Workers?

Since World War II, over 700,000 Americans have worked at nuclear sites across the country. These workers were involved in tasks like mining uranium, processing radioactive materials, and building nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, many of them were exposed to harmful radiation during their work, leading to serious health issues such as various types of cancer.

What Is the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program?

In 2000, the U.S. government established a program called the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. This program was designed to provide financial compensation and medical benefits to workers who developed illnesses due to their exposure to radiation at nuclear sites. Eligible workers could receive a lump sum payment of $150,000 and coverage for medical expenses.

The Role of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health

To ensure fairness and accuracy, the government created the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health. This board was responsible for reviewing claims and determining whether a worker's illness was related to their job. The board consisted of medical experts, scientists, and former workers who volunteered their time to evaluate the evidence and make recommendations.

The Pause in the Review Process

However, in January 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an indefinite suspension of the board's activities. The HHS cited "outstanding administrative requirements" as the reason for the pause. As a result, the board stopped reviewing new claims and halted the processing of ongoing petitions.

Impact on Workers

This suspension has left many workers in a state of uncertainty. For example, Steve Hicks, a former employee at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee, has been battling cancer and nerve damage linked to radiation exposure. He has been trying to get medical coverage for himself and his fellow workers but now faces delays due to the paused review process.

Other workers, like Denise Degarmo, have also been affected. Degarmo has been working to secure compensation for former workers at the Pinellas plant in Florida. She has three petitions stalled, representing as many as 2,000 former workers and their families.

The Need for Action

Advocates for these workers are urging the government to resume the review process. They argue that these individuals dedicated their lives to serving the country and now deserve recognition and support for the health issues they are facing. Without the board's review, many workers may not receive the compensation and medical benefits they are entitled to.

The pause in the review of medical compensation claims for nuclear workers has created a challenging situation for many individuals who are already dealing with serious health problems. It is crucial for the government to address the administrative issues and resume the review process to ensure that these workers receive the support they deserve.

U.S. nuclear workers