Military Environmental Exposures Assessments
Military Environmental Exposure Assessments (MEEAs) are specialized clinical evaluations designed to address concerns related to military environmental exposures. They are performed by VA clinicians with special training and advanced certification in military environmental exposures.
Who is eligible for a MEEA?
If you are enrolled in VA health care, you are eligible to receive a MEEA.
What Can I Expect from a MEEA?
During a MEEA, the clinician will review your exposure history, address any concerns you have about your health, and provide general guidance for you and your care team. Afterwards, your provider will send you a letter with a written summary of your evaluation and any follow-up recommendations.
Why should I get a MEEA?
MEEAs are a valuable component of your health care because identifying and documenting military environmental exposures allows your care team to take these exposures into account when making decisions about your risk of disease, the type of diagnostic tests that you need, and when those tests should be ordered. MEEAs can support early diagnosis and ongoing care for symptoms or conditions that may be related to exposures.
What are Military Environmental Exposures?
Military environmental exposures that you may have experienced include chemicals, air pollutants, contaminated water, radiation, burn pits, chemical warfare agents, and other toxic substances. Some military environmental exposures have the potential for long-term health impacts. Learn more about specific military environmental exposures.
What is Toxic Exposure Screening?
Toxic Exposure Screening (TES) is a short (5-10 minutes) screening to ask you about potential exposures to toxins during your military service. VA performs TES every 5 years for every Veteran enrolled in VA healthcare. TES is the first step in addressing your concerns about military environmental exposures.
What is the difference between TES and a MEEA?
A MEEA is the next step after TES. It is a longer (usually 60 minutes) evaluation that focuses on your exposures in more detail and addresses any clinical questions or concerns related to them.
Do I need a MEEA to file a VA disability claim?
A MEEA is not required for a VA disability claim but can help support one by documenting your deployment and exposure history in your medical record.
How Can I Get a MEEA?
You can get a MEEA by contacting any of the following:
- Your Local Environmental Health Coordinator: Most VA facilities have Environmental Health staff who can answer questions, perform in-person and telehealth MEEAs, and connect you with local resources. A list of local Environmental Health Coordinators is available here.
- VET-HOME: The Veterans Exposure Team – Health Outcomes Military Exposures (VET-HOME) program is a national hub providing free telehealth MEEAs for any Veteran anywhere in the United States or U.S. territories. Contact VET-HOME coordinators and nurses via phone at 833-633-8846 or online through a live chat.
- Your VA Care Team: Your VA care team (including primary care and specialty providers) can consult their local environmental health team or VET-HOME for clinical advice on exposure-related questions.
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