ATTACHMENT 2 01/17/95 12:46 202/273-4879 Memorandum Department of Veterans Affairs Date Jan 12 1995 From Inspector General (50) Subj:Review of Effort to Identify Involvement with Radiation Exposure of Human Subjects TO: Chief of Staff (OOA) 1. In accordance with your request for assistance, the Office of Audit initiated a review of the Department's efforts to identify its involvement with "radiation exposure of human subjects." Your request focused on the following four objectives: . actions taken by the Department to identify its involvement in human radiation experiments; . an evaluation of actions taken to determine if additional steps are needed; . a determination of the mission and function of a confidential Atomic Medicine Division and; . a determination of the history of VA classification authority and status of classified documents. 2. In regard to the existence of a confidential Atomic Medicine Division, I am enclosing a summary of our review efforts. A more comprehensive assessment of all four objectives is being completed and will be provided to you shortly. 3. Our review found no evidence and could not substantiate a conclusion that a VA Atomic Medicine Division was activated. We found that an "Atomic Medicine Division" was discussed as a means to deal with potential claims from veterans as a result of exposure to radiation from atomic bomb testing and to be the focal point for VA civil defense planning and support in case of nuclear war. However, claims did not materialize at that time and evidence indicates that the Division was not activated. VA FORM MAR 1989 USGPO:1993-0-723-374/81222 1 01/17/95 12:46 202/273-4879 4. I appreciate the opportunity to assist the Department its efforts to disclose any involvement the agency may have had in "human radiation exposure" and look forward to providing you a complete analysis of all of the objectives. STEPHEN A. TRODDEN Enclosure 2 01/17/95 12:46 202/273-4879 Advisory 006 Enclosure Review of the History, Mission, and Function of the Confidential VA Atomic Medicine Division Summary Recently discovered documents referenced a confidential VA Atomic Medicine Division. The Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments (ACHRE) referred information on this organization to VA and requested that it be followed-up to determine the extent of information available that could assist in identify files on personnel exposed to radiation. We found that an Atomic Medicine Division was planned to manage anticipated claims from veterans as a result of exposure to radiation and to coordinate VA's related civil defense responsibilities in case of nuclear war. A staff position of "Special Assistant to the Chief Medical Director for Atomic Medicine" was established and Dr. George Lyon held the position from 1947 to 1949. However, veteran claims never materialized and the organization was never activated. During this period, Dr. Lyon directed his efforts on ensuring the VA's national coordination for civil defense planning and the medical use of radioisotopes in VA as the Chief Radioisotope Division. V.A. "atomic medicine" efforts focused on the medical (clinical and research) uses of radioisotopes which because the basis for the current VA nuclear medicine program that was headed try Dr. Lyon in its formative years. Based on our review, we found no evidence and could not substantiate that a confidential VA Atomic Medicine Division ever existed. We based our conclusion on a review of the documentation provided by ACHRE, along with additional references identified in VA and information from retired VA personnel who were in positions to have personal knowledge of the situation. To assume that our review was as exhaustive and thorough as possible, we reviewed Official Personnel Files of certain key principals involved and performed a review of VA security classification authority. 1 01/17/95 12:46 202/273-4879 Advisory Analysis Source #1 - 1952 history prepared by Dr. George M. Lyon as an appendix to a VA medical research document for the "National Research Committee". . Committee established by Chief Medical Director (CMD) to formulate a strategy to deal with the problems that atomic energy might create for the VA. . Committee recommended establishment of an "Atomic Medicine Division" and "Radioisotope Section". . "General Hawley [the CMD] took affirmative actions on these recommendations and it was in the manner described that the Radioisotope Program was initiated in the Fall of 1947." OIG Comment. The reference to the Atomic Medicine Division is unclear. The record demonstrates the establishment of the Radioisotope Section and the reference to the Atomic Medicine Division should not be taken literally as documentation that a Division was ever established. Further, the absence of corroborating evidence for more than the intent to establish such an organization casts doubt on its activation. Source #2. - 1959 memorandum from the CMD to the Administrator recommending an Administrator's Exceptional Service Award for Dr. George M. Lyon. . "Dr. Lyon was designated, Chief Radioisotope Section, Research and Education Service, in addition to the position of Special Assistant to the Chief Medical Director for Atomic Medicine.". (This statement was not consistent with the information obtained in the review of Dr. Lyon's official personnel records. Source #7 below) OIG Comment. The reference to the position of Special Assistant to the Chief Medical Director for Atomic Medicine not as an official of the Atomic Medicine Division is important. Independent information relates that Dr. Lyon was very proud of the designation as special assistant to the CMD. There is no corroborating evidence of the existence of the Atomic Medicine Division. 2 01/17/95 12:46 202/273-4879 Advisory Source #3. 1985 history of VA's nuclear medicine program prepared by A. Graham Mosely (deceased). . Mr. Mosely was an Assistant Chief, Radioisotope Section of DM&S Research and Education Service. He later went to serve as the Chief of that section. His VA service began in 1948 and he retired in 1966. . Mr. Mosely stated that the position of Special Assistant for Atomic Medicine was set up to prepare for the proper evaluation of medical claims from, veterans injured by exposure to atomic radiation. OIG Comment. The description of the functions within the Research and Education Service imply that Dr. Lyon solely handled the issues related to Atomic Medicine. Mr. Mosely did not specify atomic medicine issues or accomplishments outside of the scope of work confirmed by other sources. Source #4. - July 1994 interview of Dr. Herbert C. Allen, Jr. by Dr. Neil Otchin, Veterans Health Administration. Dr. Allen was the Assistant Chief Radioisotope Section of DM&S Research and Education Service. He later went on to serve in VA operational field nuclear medicine services. His VA service began in 1948. OIG Comment - Dr. Allen's description of the function of the organizations labeled "atomic medicine", "radioisotopes", and "nuclear medicine" is consistent with the operations of the Radioisotope Section, not a "confidential" organization. Source #5. - December 1994 interview of Dr. Herbert C. Allen, Jr. . Dr. Allen said VA intended and was preparing to establish an Atomic Medicine Division to handle claims processing and medical preparedness associated with atomic warfare and noted there was nothing confidential about the work VA was doing. He said that both names, Atomic Medicine Division and the Radioisotope Division were informally used originally. He also advised that the need to manage claims never materialized. 3 01/17/95 12:46 202/273-4879 Advisory 01/17/95 12:46 202/273-4879 . He stated that the name Atomic Medicine was not used for long since it was too closely associated with the atom bomb, but Dr. Lyon maintained the title of Special Assistant for Atomic Medicine since it afforded Dr. Lyon a more prestigious staff status. . Dr. Allen was unable to identify any specific information related to Dr. Lyon's duties as the Special Assistant. However, Dr. Allen stated he had frequent daily discussions with Dr. Lyon and felt certain that work efforts were directed to he national coordination needed to ensure the safe use of radioisotopes and the establishment of radioisotope laboratories in VA facilities. OIG Comment. Dr. Allen was a credible source of information who was in the position to have direct knowledge of the activities under review. We have no reason to doubt the recollection of facts presented. Source #6 - December 1994 interview with Ralph Casteel, retired senior official in the Department of Medicine and Surgery. . Dr. Casteel was the executive officer in the Radioisotope Section of DM&S Research and Education Service. He later went on to serve as the DM&S security officer and executive assistant to the CMD. His VA service began in 1946 and he retired in 1976. . Mr. casteel states that the Atomic Medicine Division was never activated and noted there were no classified organizations in the Research and Education Service. The perceived need to deal with processing claims for veterans injured by atomic radiation never materialized. Mr. Casteel confirmed that Dr. Lyon was very proud of his title as Special Assistant for Atomic Medicine. OIG Comment. Mr. Casteel is a credible witness who was in a position to know the information provided. We know of no reason to doubt his recollection of the facts. Source #7. December 1994, telephone interview with Dr. John Nunemaker, retired senior official in the Department of Medicine and Surgery. 4 . Dr. Nunemaker was the acting Assistant Chief Medical Director Research and Education in the early 1950's and the Assistant, Chief Medical Director Education from 1952 to 1958. . Dr. Nunemaker states that the focus of "Atomic Medicine" efforts in VA was the establishment and safe functioning of the radioisotope labs. He had no information to provide on an Atomic Medicine Division, but knew Dr. Lyon and advised us that Dr. Lyon was extremely proud of his title as Special Assistant for Atomic Medicine. OIG Comment. Dr. Nunemaker corroborates the statements of Mr. Casteel and Dr. Herbert C. Allen. Source #8. - Official Personnel File of Dr. George M. Lyon was retrieved from the National Records Center and reviewed to identify information on organization assignments and security clearances. . This review found that Dr. Lyon was designated as the Special Assistant to the Chief Medical Director for Atomic Medicine from April 1949 to December 1949, formalizing his informal status from July 1947 when he joined VA. In 1949 he was designated as the Chief of the Radioisotope Division. OIG Comment Dr. Lyon's personnel evaluation consistently described an individual who worked by himself and did not delegate assignments. The evaluations were consistent with the descriptions provided by his contemporaries of his personality, work habits, and how he executed his responsibilities as the Special Assistant for Atomic Medicine. Source #9. - December 1994 Interview with Mrs. Clo N. Gooding to provide information on functions of VACO atomic medicine. . Ms. Clo (Nolen) Gooding was a longtime secretary in the Research and Education Service who reported to Dr. Lyon, Dr. Allen, and Mr. Mosely at various times during her VA employment. . Ms. Gooding stated that, she did not believe there was ever an Atomic Medicine Division in VA. She said there was a Radioisotope Division, managed by Dr. Lyon. She stated that his job was to establish, train, 5 01/17/95 12:46 202/273-4879 and staff radioisotope laboratories in VA, and included administrative duties such as budget preparations. . She recalled that the purpose of Dr. Lyon's work was to prepare for radio exposure claims but stated that there never appeared to be a substantial workload associated with that endeavor. OIG Comment. Ms. Gooding's statement corroborates the statements of other individuals contacted. Source #10. - December 1994 Interview with Dr. Martin Cummings, Director for General Research in the Research and Education Services in 1950's. . Dr. Cummings did not recall VA having a specific Atomic Medicine Division. He was aware that Dr. Lyon held the title of Special Assistant to the Chief Medical Director for Atomic Medicine. . As a lunch-time companion he could not recall Dr. Lyon ever discussions issues related to Atomic Medicine outside of the scope of radioisotope issues and the establishment of VA radioisotope laboratories. Source #11. - VA Organizational Manual was reviewed to obtain related information. . These files did not support the existence of an Atomic Medicine Division. The manual cites the existence of an Atomic Medicine Service and the position of Special Assistant for Atomic Medicine. The description of the Atomic Medicine Service functions were consistent with information obtained in the interviews that described the Radioisotope Service and the functions of the Special Assistant for Atomic Medicine. OIG Comment. The organizational manual only covered the period 1953 to present. However, the functional descriptions appear to be consistent with the recollections of the principals and other related documentation for the earlier time period. 6