A review panel has determined a late Canadian military pilot’s terminal cancer was likely the result of his exposure to electromagnetic radiation and various chemicals during his career and awarded his family full compensation. The pilot, who was not identified, spent 34 years as an electronic warfare, transport, and air-to-air refueling pilot and died last July, about six months after a diagnosis of terminal rectal cancer. After his diagnosis, he applied for disability benefits from Veteran Affairs Canada but was turned down. The department said it could find no link between his job and his cancer. But his wife pursued an appeal after his death and offered some compelling evidence that might have swayed the review panel.
His wife told the review panel that her husband was one of five pilots who took part in electromagnetic jamming tests on the Canadair Challenger business jet that the Royal Canadian Air Force was converting into an electronic warfare platform. Another of the pilots in that testing has died of cancer, and the other three have all been diagnosed with various forms of cancer. The review panel called the pilot’s wife’s testimony “balanced, fact-based, and credible” in issuing its ruling.
I’m sure lots of people would like to know lots more. Without determination you’re dead in the water (no pun intended). It’s heartening to hear success for the review. Now, what may be the safe limits for electromagnetic radiation for pilots, aircrew and the general public?
Typical of government denying benefits to their solders after serving their country at the expense of their own health. I myself served 3 years in the US army and honorably discharged have practically no VA benefits because of the years served. 1977-1980. We were known as the forgotten solders. Why that is I suspect that because of not going to Viet Nam and Iraq my government considered me useless and by cutting out benefits they could save money. People who served between the Korean War and Viet Nam war who served honorably were given VA benefits. Typical of disrespect given to all solders. Example: Trump not going to John Mccain’s funeral and saying that he wasn’t his preferred soldier after he served in Viet Nam and US government senator.