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Palomares, Spain

Europe Region 📅 1966-1967

What Happened Here

Cleanup of nuclear weapons from a B-52 crash. Service members exposed to plutonium contamination.

Known Exposures

Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing Radiation
Cleanup crews encountered plutonium contamination from the B-52 crash.
Source: Radiation Exposure / VA

✅ Presumptive Conditions

No nexus letter needed!

These conditions are presumptive — the VA assumes they are connected to your service at this location. You only need to prove you were there during the qualifying dates.

Condition Diagnostic Code Notes
Radiation-related cancers Radiation exposure claims often depend on dose estimate and diagnosis details.

What This Means For Your Claim

✅ Presumptive Conditions

You only need to prove you were at this location during the qualifying dates. No nexus letter needed. The VA presumes the condition is connected to your service. File directly and cite the applicable presumptive authority (PACT Act, Camp Lejeune Justice Act, etc.).

⚠️ Associated Conditions

You may still qualify, but you will likely need additional evidence — a nexus letter from a medical provider, treatment records, and documentation of your exposure. A VSO or VA-accredited attorney can help build the strongest case.

Were you at Palomares, Spain?

If you served here during the qualifying dates, you may be eligible for benefits.