A recent report by Senator Claire McCaskill has unveiled a disturbing chapter in American military history: during World War II, approximately 60,000 servicemembers were secretly subjected to testing involving mustard gas and other toxic agents. These veterans were essentially used as human guinea pigs without their knowledge or consent, only to later suffer severe health consequences and face systemic denial of the care and benefits they so desperately needed.

Secret Testing and Exposure

The testing program in question operated under a veil of secrecy. Roughly 40,000 veterans experienced high-level, full-body exposure to mustard gas or Lewisite, a similar toxic chemical. Neither the soldiers nor their families were informed about the nature of these experiments. Many of these servicemembers were unknowingly exposed to harmful substances that would later manifest in serious long-term health issues such as skin cancer, lung diseases, respiratory problems, and strokes.

Nondisclosure Agreements and the Burden of Proof

A particularly cruel aspect of this saga is the use of nondisclosure agreements. Veterans subjected to these tests were forced to sign agreements that prevented them from discussing what they had endured. This secrecy extended to medical professionals and the Veterans Affairs (VA) system itself, making it nearly impossible for veterans to prove their exposure or explain the source of their health problems.

Consequently, when these veterans applied for disability benefits to cover treatment of their ailments, the VA rejected about 85% of their claims. From 2005 to 2015, out of 1,213 disability claims filed related to mustard agent exposure, a staggering 1,028 were denied. Today, only about 40 veterans nationwide actually receive benefits connected to this exposure.

Official Secrecy and Intimidation

The shortfall in care wasn’t just bureaucratic—it was systemic. The existence of these tests remained classified until 1975. Even after declassification, veterans faced intimidation tactics; many were threatened with court-martial, dishonorable discharges, or personal and professional ruin should they speak out about their experiences.

This oppressive environment not only suppressed the truth for decades but also left these men and women isolated in their struggle for recognition and treatment.

The VA’s Failures and Political Hypocrisy

While the VA is often criticized for understaffing and inefficiencies, the mustard gas case highlights a deeper issue: the institutional barriers that prevent veterans from obtaining justice and healthcare, especially when national security and secrecy are invoked.

Politicians routinely invoke “support the troops” rhetoric, especially when promoting military engagements. Yet when it comes to addressing critical needs like veterans’ healthcare and benefits—particularly in cases like this involving clear evidence of harm and governmental wrongdoing—many lawmakers fall short of taking real action. This discrepancy underscores a profound hypocrisy: public lip service to veterans’ welfare often contrasts sharply with legislative inaction and political expediency.

Proposed Solutions and Legislative Efforts

In response to these injustices, Senator McCaskill has supported legislation known as the ARLA (Agent-Related Lung Disease Act) bill, designed to ease the burden of proof veterans must meet to qualify for benefits related to chemical exposure. The bill aims to acknowledge the unique circumstances of secret testing and ensure that veterans aren’t penalized for the government’s failure to inform or protect them.

Despite bipartisan efforts, such as measures co-sponsored by Bernie Sanders and the late John McCain, laws aiding veterans like these often encounter resistance in Congress—delaying critical support for those harmed while in service.

A Call to Recognize and Act

The story of WWII veterans exposed to mustard gas is a stark reminder of the cost borne by service members—not only during combat but through unethical experimentation and institutional neglect. These veterans sacrificed their health and well-being in service to their country, yet faced silence, denial, and neglect.

It is imperative for society and government leaders to confront this painful history honestly, remove barriers to care, and ensure that all veterans receive the support, respect, and medical attention they deserve. True “support for the troops” must extend beyond rhetoric to meaningful legislation and resources that honor veterans’ sacrifices.

This betrayal highlights an ongoing challenge: how to balance national security with accountability and uphold the dignity of those who serve. The lessons of the mustard gas testing program must galvanize better protections in the future—not only for veterans of past wars but for all service members who place their lives on the line for their country.