Share your story with VA’s largest research program
The Million Veteran Program (MVP), VA’s largest research program, started in 2011 with the goal of improving health for all Veterans. Since then, more than 1 million Veterans have become part of this historic effort—and you can, too.
When you join MVP, you are asked to give a blood sample, grant researchers secure access to your health records, and complete surveys about health, lifestyle, military experiences, and exposures. Your answers to these surveys—your story—can help improve health care for Veterans who have a similar story.
When researchers use MVP’s data, some study a specific condition—like tinnitus, depression, cancer, or exposure to a certain toxin. They need to study the data of enough people with that condition, alongside the data of enough people without it. That’s why MVP’s size matters. Each time a Veteran completes a survey, it’s as if another puzzle piece is added to our database—and when 1 million Veterans complete surveys, we get closer to finishing the puzzle.
Every Veteran is invited to join MVP today at MVP.va.gov, or at a participating VA facility. If you are already part of MVP and haven’t yet completed all available surveys, log in to your personalized MVP Dashboard at MVP.va.gov using your VA sign-in. You can complete surveys at your own pace, save your progress, and return later if needed.
Your story matters. By sharing it with MVP, you can help us study health conditions that matter to you and the people you served with.
Keep in touch with the Million Veteran Program!
Visit MVP.va.gov to take the new Military Experiences and Toxic Exposures Survey, read the latest research, access your MVP Participant Dashboard, or join MVP today. Questions? Call us at 866-441-6075.
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I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer in January 2025. I had complete thyroidectomy along with 7 lymph nodes removed in March 2025 at Carl T Hayden Medical Facility in Phoenix, AZ. I served in Army Infantry 1967-1969. I served 2 weeks reserves at Camp Grayling, Michigan in the summer of 1971. I recently saw a list of bases with contaminated water and it listed Camp Grayling. The list also listed various illnesses caused from contaminated water which included thyroid cancer. I do plan to explore this issue and file for additional disability. Anyone out there have any suggestions who’s dealing with a similar experience?
So, let me get this straight – This program has existed for 15 years, I’ve been permanently medically retired for 16, and this is the first time you’ve contacted me about it?
I first left active duty in 1992, and have been dealing with the VA’s broken system since then. I agreed to return to service later, and was again injured, that time in Baghdad. I am now rated at 80% disabled, but it took a lot of years and bureaucratic baloney to get there.
I’ve also been exposed to cancerous toxins with the blood work to show it, have a spinal injury and the lost motor skills that follow, and have severe Tinnitus and hearing aids. I’m not depressed, but probably ought to be (I’m just a bit angry, but try to move on). Together, those are the four examples of research areas you gave in the article you sent to me, to justify why this MVP program exists. I could be your poster child.
In other words, the medical researchers of the world could have had a heyday with all of my records since I joined the Air Force 47 years ago, but the VA sat on this until you could monetize it. This seems to be by design so that I would get quite a bit older before you would have anyone really look at my records and get some help going. The VA’s administrative incentive was not to patch me up, but to keep costs down. Like all bureaucracies, the VA exists to perpetuate itself.
Now that we’ve been through this wringer for a good long while, you see an opportunity to use me as a data point, for profit, and suddenly there will be doctors and researchers looking at my files – the files that your bureaucrats kept hidden or ignored for so long.
I’m not opposed to what the MVP is supposed to do. Heck, I participated in a local university-run spinal research project because they asked nicely. That research doctor at was from China, and was still more interested in healing spinal injuries than our own VA seemed to be.
My point is that the MVP will be more useful to those studying the long-term effects of bureaucratic neglect than of any other medical matter. Let me help the process along as in a pharmaceutical commercial:
MVP is not for patients suffering from moderate to severe Administrative Neglect Trauma or stinging ANT. Primary symptoms are deep distrust, contempt for administrators, cynicism about government agencies in general, and retreats into addiction. Hidden spiritual injuries can be exacerbated by reasonably expected events: If citizens and loved one thank you for your service, some veterans with Administrative Neglect Trauma begin to think that their service was with a despicable and inhuman leviathan that is not really part of the nation at all. This can induce a moral despair rather than loving patriotic pride, and makes physical injuries relatively unimportant. Consult someone who cares. Results may vary. Don’t take MVP if you are allergic to it.
My VA care so far, when I could get it, was unusually fine and certainly up to standards. However, the years of VA administrative crap hurt me far worse than did my physical woulds in my uniformed service. I do not wonder at all why so many veterans distrust the VA administrators.
While I have no desire to help the VA administrators to make money off my private data, I’ll eventually enroll in the MVP, to help other veterans. It is tempting thought to wait fifteen years before doing so.
I was medic in Vietnam for 13 months.
Agent orange & burn pits have taken a toll on my health.
I would go to war for USA & our freedom today if needed.
To all of you military personnel THANK YOU FOR YOUR Service!
I was exposed to asbestos on board my ship (USS Klondike a World War II ship used for repairing) during 1963 and 1964. I was also on ship (USS Richmond K Turner) from 1964 to 1966. Exposure to asbestos during the first ship. That exposure would be my biggest concern. Granted, I am an 83 year old with cancer.
has there been any study on the effect of the use of tetracholoethylene use in cleaning radio equipment in the early 1960?
I just signed up for my VA benefits because I recently found out the Ellsworth AFB is a superfund clean-up site due to contaminated water. According to the article I read the forever chemicals from the fire fighter foam (forever chemicals) soaked into the ground and contaminated the water from 1975 to somewhere in the 2000’s. i served on that base for 3 and a half years from 1980 to 83. So I just got off the phone with the VA what do I do because I have issues that are listed as systems. I was basically told that I would have to fill out forms and prove that my systems are related to the contaminated water. I was trying to find help to see if there was a way the VA could test and find out. but got nothing but the run around from the woman I talked to. I was asking for help and told basically to prove it. I’m not very confident in the VA anymore.
I was exposed to asbestos on board my ship (USS Beatty DD-756) during 1961 and 1963 ship overhauls in NavSyd-Bos. My job was to remove the old asbestos from the ammunition lockers and install new asbestos. I also had to paint the below deck ammunition lockers with zinc chromate paint which was closed to air circulation.
I really need to talk to some one about what happened in Viet Nam. it is eating me up inside.
During the time I served I was awarded the Vietnam Expedition medal. I would make jokes about Agent Orange, like “who is Agent Orange”? It always sprayed around the compound everywhere I had no clue what it was. I would try to cover my mouth and nose with my hand or hat. Agent Orange was spayed often everywhere all around the cutoff dates for the compensation I never got paid anything like the other veterans. I got the card in the mail I had to register for service. I remember President Richard M. Nixon announcing the pullout from Southeast Asia on Arm Forces Radio. GOD thank you it is a blessing to be alive.
Good day,
I am a 65 year old veteran of the US Coast Guard.
My first tour of duty I was stationed at US Coast Guard Support Center Maine, this is where my PTSD started to date still in therapy.
My second PTSD traumatic experience while stationed medical school in New London Conn. by a classmate.
I was stationed in approx. 1986-91 at USCG Support Center Governors Island New York, NY, which happens to be a documented toxic landfilled Military base.
Prior to my final tour of duty I started having gastrointestinal problems and still on multiple medications, which had and has exacerbated to date.
At my last Duty Station I was racially profiled.
Conceived my daughter prior to discharge… she was diagnosed with Ovarian Failure( sterile) plus pre-menopausal at age 18, she is 34 to date. This has created a space of trauma for myself and her for the rest of our lives.
She also developed Osgood-schlatter Disease to knee and a bone cyst in her upper arm which was surgically removed and biopsied.
Since I’ve discharged I have had and still being treated to date via meds, therapy or surgeries for the following ……
1. Anxiety- still under treated
2 Depression- still under treated
3. Nausea
4. GERDS
5. Migraines
6. Bell’s Palsy
7. Hypothyroid Disease
8. Hyperthyroid Disease
9. Goiter in Neck- required surgery
10. The removal of multiple Fibroids, Cysts, Polyps,, which required the following starting from 1997 to date…….
a. 2 Hysterectomies due to signs of possible cancer . Latest procedure Jan. 2026
b. Thyroidectomy with biopsy
c. Breast mass aspiration
d. Lumpectomy
e. Colonoscopy with removal of polyps
My health has deteriorated drastically after discharge which hindered/s my quality of life to this very day.
My GI problems and migraines have resulted in many Near Death episodes and experiences that only through the grace of God am I able to share personal story my testimony has many layers and many stories.
Thank you for allowing me to share these experiences.
Exposure to Trichloroethylene fumes and contact. This is what we were instructed to do for cleaning the aircraft electronics compartments.
We also used trichloroethylene for cleaning nuclear weapon components in the early 70s. Finally they switched to freon (a different kind than they use in air conditioners), which is fairly inert.
I was exposed to agent orange and have all the health problems it causes
I was exposed to depleted Uranium due to my job. Numerous chemicals such as Acetone..MEK methol eythel keystone. Does ? body check for these toxic chemicals. Plus other chemicals.
I joined the MVP Program years ago. What can I do to help the program or recruit? I served in Vietnam aboard the USS Pledge MSO 492. We were in Market time from April 1971 to September 1971. We ere in a number of harbors and coastal waters, including Cam Ranh Bay and Vung Tau and others. We were in the exposure ares to chemical weapons (agent orange excetera). I am constantly being told that my lungs are clear. Then why am I always coughing, having trouble swallowing. I sneeze a lot. I NEVER had allergies until I got home. I’ve had Many Many surgeries and treatments for skin Melanoma.
I had one son born a month after getting home from that first trip to Market Time. Then six more children after getting out of the Navy. One of seven children died at birth. We have 24 Grandchildren.
I don’t want to complain and yet need to have this not be just put under the table.
While serving in the Navy I attained the rank of QM1. Service time, January 20th, 1970 to December 7th, 1976. Many awards including “King of the Fleet” 1975. President Nixon Commendation. NESEP Officer Award.
We lost our home and savings and my job during the Bank Failures during the period from 2008 until 2012. We made our payments until our payments tripled. We lost approximately $350,000 and our savings. We tried to get by for four years until we moved from the San Diego area to Bountiful Utah where expenses per month have gone from over $6,000 per month in San Diego to $4,500 per month Here in Bountiful. Without the Salt LAke City Veterans Medical Center…I would not be alive. We get Social Security, I still am working as I can (total right knee replacement in April 2025 and the left needs replacing ASAP), and some residual payments from $1,000 to $1,500 per month from a company I did sales for.
It not so much about money. It is about my health so I can keep getting good health care. If I die My wife will get half of my social security and A pension od $1,500 per month.
Anything will help.
Thank you for having the Million Vet Program.
Mick
[Editor: Please do not ever share your personal information on the internet. I have removed it for your safety.]
No, I won’t give a BLOOD SAMPLE!!!
I’m a veteran of the Gulf War. I have previously completed two toxic exposure surveys which I’ve heard little from since completing them many years ago. Since, I have been treated and diagnosed with several (I feel) related injuries and illnesses due to the toxic exposures I have been subjected to and now endure for the rest of my life. However, like many veteran comments below, what I feel to be symptoms caused by the exposures, the VA Providers seem reluctant to diagnose or presume the possibility of any exposures as they seem very reluctant to do so. The VA Medical Providers are being placed into an extreme position of making assumptions as to the origin of the illness and the timing of the exposures…Medical providers have been telling me since serving in the Gulf War…symptoms may not show or have any signs of diagnoses from immediately up to 30 years! I feel this is a far reach to place such emphasis and accountability on medical providers most unwitting to the environment and types of exposures for that matter. I have been exposed to serin gas, Jet Fighter Aircraft Hydrazine, fuels, burn pit fires of rubber, solvents and cleaning chemicals, human waste, asbestos related materials from old foreign structure and materials, very harsh chemical sprays both air and ground applied to repel local insects, reptiles and rodents by suited up technician’s in and around tent city living compounds, hazardous environmental dangers such as; sun burns, high desert winds, sand and dust storms, dead and diseased animals, extremely loud noise…and God knows what else. For history not to repeat itself and if we learned anything from the Vietnam conflict, forever delays identifying, treat, diagnose, and “presume” is to declare veteran’s as victims verses patients which domes us to repeat Agent Orange…many so long after their deaths which never received medical treatment. All our uniform service veteran’s and civilian contractors who served the United States honorably with dedication and patriotism should be credited, not presumed a patient. Instead of posting the now endless list of “presumptive” conditions (presume) for their service to their country while in the Gulf War, but maybe, just maybe the benefit of the doubt (again presumption) should not rest on the veteran’s, but on the system that requested our service to country in foreign lands that so many volunteered to serve without hesitation, so what are you waiting for when it has been made public and soundly the exposures are real as are the illnesses of so many veteran’s. Just my two cents, but what do I know!
Lots of talk for 35 years and counting the Army and now big brother the VA have and are covering up more than we think. As a Desert Storm Vet with Rumathod Arthritis I whole heartedly know without a doubt this whole desert storm syndrome is really the government covering up the fact that what most are suffering from is exposure to CO (Carbon Monoxide). We were exposed to CO by weapons firing in Bradley’s and Abrams. Studies at Amber Dean Proving Ground in 1981 and 1984 prove CO in the Driver Bradley Position was as high as 4 times the lethal limit. These issues have only gotten worse over time since the Government decided instead of taking responsibility they would just cover the these little facts up. I believe a very good number of Storm Vets are suffering long term effects of CO Poisoning at the hands of the very democracy we all were fighting for! Just a hunch look into see what you discover and let us know!
SERVED IN VIET NAM FROM MARCH 1970 THRU MAR 1971. I BURBED HUMAN WASTE AND WAS SPRAYED WITH AGENT ORANGE. I WAS AWARDED DISABILITY FOR AGENT ORANGE. I HAD 31 INCHES OFMY SMALL IMTESTINE REMOVED DUE TO AGENT ORANGE.
i just posted a comment. it was deleted! the va doesn’t like truth!
l was poisoned at lejeune in 1971. l developed scleroderma which destroyed my mitral valve in ’06. l was in the phx va hospital. they bungled a common test procedure and flat lined me! sudden cardiac arrest! A massive heart attack! the SSA immediately declared me 100% permanently disabled. The VA laughed hard! They have rejected every claim i have filed for no service connection! great organization you got there!
Have been a member for many years and enjoy your messages, thank you
Exposure to glacial acetic acid used to test glucose in the medical laboratory linked my USAF training and experience as a medical laboratory scientist to indexed publications that support President Trump’s 4/23/20 claim about protection from viruses and all virus-driven pathology, (including suicides and cancers) and to my 100% VA disability rating.
After Vietnam there has been many medical problems. Thyroid cancer, sarcoma, hypertension and ptsd.
Just like the VA to talk big about something and then not include a direct link to sign up. I’m seeing some improvements in my local VA, and I’m grateful for that, but there’s still a long way to go to make it work for all of us. I still hear a lot of grumbles from my compatriots at the VA. I’m an easy one for the VA to deal with, but there are still plenty who are not getting their needs met and dying on the streets. Sometimes the rosy outlook from Doug Collins is unwelcome to some vets and just adds to their frustration.
I answered questions for this a while back (2-4 years). and never heard anything back. VA talks big a lot for veterans but Acts very little
I have Asthma since my Iraq 2006-2007 when now i lived on FOB Ishkan for nine months and FOB Kalsu for six months. Then deployed to Afghanistan and stayed mostly on Camp Dwyer ( 9 months) and FOB Shin dad (3 months). I now have COPD and can not get the VA to acknowledge my COPD disability from the constant burning garbage and waste fumes that permeated for all these four bases, especially Ishkan and Shan Dad.
I have Gleason score 10 and I am 85 years old. I am rated 100% but not permanent! There is no cure especially at my age but I have to wait another 6 years before I can be rated permanent! I will not live that long but because I am not rated permanent I can not get insurance for my wife! I can’t even count on making it another couple of months! Statistics are not on my side! My wife is going to suffer because of a technicality! Other than that I have not too many complaints! They are all minor and really don’t have any consequences, just inconveniences. The major problem is my rating!
Found out through some helpful Vets at information table in Northport VA some years ago that, guess what,Agent Orange was being tested in Puerto Rico back in the 50’s and 60’s. It ended in “68 while I was stationed in Camp Garcia, Vieques PR from approximately April, ’60 to 1970. Finally the military is asmitting that, sure enough, I was exposed to “herbicides” but if it wasn’t for that table so many years ago I would never have known. Still fighting with VA for proper pension.
SEMPER FI Brother and Sisters!!!~
On the Toxic research survey, I am the daughter of Two veterans, one of whom was exposed to a number of toxins at Ft. MCcallen Alabama in 1971. My Mom Whom is passed away due to long standing health issues. My question is there a research survey for the childeren of veteran woman , that where conceived on or a few months after being stationed or stationed some wear else. Reason for asking is I have alot of health issues like my mother did. I also have amy dad who was in for 26 years . My Mom left FT McAllen in Nov of 71. I was conseved around six to 7 months later. I need to find out what tests can be. Done or is being done to determine if the parents exposure is and has effected the veterans children. Thank you for any help you can give
Why does this survey not include input from the spouse and/or children of a veteran? Many of our veterans have died due to exposure of these chemicals.
I was exposed to agent orange in Vietnam I was also exposed to an array of drugs that flooded into our base.
So where is the link to take the survey???
As far as Military Toxic Exposures, the problem is that in years past members were exposed to toxins without their knowledge. Some of these were in highly classified programs where such things could not be divulged due to national security.
They could not provide protection from such toxins because people would know about these most secret technologies and where absolute secrecy was on a strict need to know basis.
My NE Ohio VA (Cleveland, Akron, Kent, Youngstown)…saved me. So Thankful/Blessed…Corvette Bob Love.
VA dr state i have been exposed to orange. Va evaluation unit ignored my submission. Now what?
Get your local Veterans Service Officer to resubmit the claim with facts about presumptive conditions that do not require you to prove the disabilities are military service related. Let others know how much back-pay you get in your compensation to encourage them to re-file.
When my plan load of new guys landed in Saigon we were taken to LBJ for processing. After we were process we spent the night there but we were not idle. The Sarge took us out side to the air field and gave us a can of jet fuel and told us to go to the commode nearby and remove the half barrels being used for toilets and spill some jet fuel in the barrel and burn it. There was three of us working and breathing in that black smoke from the jet fuel for several hours. There were many more sites we saw doing the same thing that night. I was stationed with the 25th Infantry in Tannin, near Cu Chi in the Iron triangle and we would often fill our canteens from ground water wells near villages. That was in 1967.
I’m a Vietnam Vet with agent orange toxic effects but the VA said I forged my D214. Then they expelled me from the VA hosp. I’m not able to get on my healthy vet because I have a flip phone. I valled the presidents hotline. The fella hung up on me. I called back and a polite lady offered me a coloring book. I declined! Today 30+ vets will commit suicide. I know why…
I was exposed asbestos , MG, and toxins during active duty.
I was stationed in Okinawa in 1974/1975 where Agent Orange was stored. I contracted throat cancer in 2001 and I believe I had been exposed as my oncologist said my type of cancer is very slow growing and I had been exposed to either radiation or toxic chemicals in my late teens or early twenties. This timeframe corresponds with my active-duty service while stationed in Okinawa.
i was there in 71,72,73. check out operation red hat! the DoD is adamant that there never was any Ao on okinawa! research Jon Mitchel.
It is extremely challenging to demonstrate exposure to inhalant, toxic, and other related chemicals across multiple countries, as well as to substantiate these claims upon return. Additionally, I am interested in any international trials or studies that could aid in this regard.
It still sickens me that in spite of being a veteran, the only way I can get the two infected teeth in my mouth pulled is if it happened because of military battles. This is not right. Veterans should be able to get a tooth pulled just as easily as the heart by-pass they did for me without any issues. It’s just not right.
In Vietnam we dealt with the fumes from the burning of human waste. Just about any gas product(aviation gas, diesel, etc was used to burn the waste. When we were out of the jungle, the cloud of smoke wafted over and through our tents. Tough to sleep. Years later I have sinus issues and went through a facial surgery which left a nice scar on my face. As a surface to air HAWK officer I was illuminated with radar as the unit laid in our battery. You could feel your insides warming up. I was contacted by a VA toxicologist. He told me there were no burn pits in Vietnam.
SERVERED IN VIETNAM IN 1965/66 AND WAS CONTAMINATED WITH AGENT ORANGE.
Where is the link to the MVP survey
I served at Camp Lejeune for almost 2 years, in 1966-67 . I took NBC decontamination training and unknowingly cleaned -up with the toxic water!!
James Reuben Peif, USMC Viet Nam Aug 1966 -Sept 1967. 2/26 Marines Echo Company we a search and destroy company. Exposed to Agent Orange in the I corps area including the DMZ. The DMZ vegetation was flatten by Agent Orange, we were on it, so exposure could not have been any closer. I do have health effects from it and am being treated by physicians.
Your email and webpage say “Take the Survey” but there is no link anywhere to a survey or any explanation as to how to find it. Lot’s of “join MVP” info (which I joined a long time back) but nothing about a survey
I’ve had medical problems for a long time. I was at Fort Mac, Fort Dix, Fort Jackson , Camp Humphries, Korea. And Fort Lewis WA .
I served at Fort Jackson, assigned to multiple barracks containing asbestos. Spent significant time maybe 50 feet from several buildings being cleared of asbestos. The asbestos dust was clearly visible in the air. Now I have severe COPD. The VA keeps trying to blame my COPD on past smoking rather than connecting it to the asbestos exposure. I think I had a PACT ACT appointment, however, never heard from the VA Physician regarding the appointment or the other tests results requested from the VA Doctor.
Don’t forget “BURN PITS”. After a latrine is full and troops have moved on, the hole has to be lit on fire to kill all the germs, bugs, smell, etc.
is trichloroethylene on the list, we used it daily cleaning parts and tools?
research Camp lejeune Justice Act
I am registered with this program and I served in Balad Iraq, when they were burning constantly.. I now have COPD and can not get the VA to acknowledge my disability from the constant burning garbage and waste fumes that permeated the airbase
I apologize in advance if I’m telling you what you already know.
COPD is a general term for deseases that result in severe respiratory disorders. What is the main diagnosis that is causing your COPD and is that diagnosis listed in the PACT Act? If so, it should be “assumed” a result of toxic exposure if you were deployed where the toxins were present. Have you worked with a “certified” VSO at a Legion or VFW Post? The DAV will also help you through the VA maze. I wish you the best of luck with your health and the VA.