New VA Initiative: Exploring PFAS Exposure and Kidney Cancer for Veterans

In an important development for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it is reviewing the possible connection between PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) exposure and kidney cancer. This review could lead to the establishment of new presumptive conditions, making it easier for veterans affected by these exposures to qualify for VA benefits.

PFAS exposure and kidney cancer in veterans: What are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries since the 1940s, including the manufacturing of firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and more. These chemicals are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Over time, PFAS exposure has been linked to several health problems, including cancer.

For veterans, the primary source of PFAS exposure may have come from their time on military bases, where firefighting foam containing these chemicals was widely used. Many veterans, particularly those who served in firefighting or chemical exposure-related roles, have raised concerns about their health conditions possibly being related to PFAS exposure.

What Does This Mean for Veterans?

The VA's decision to explore a possible service connection between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer marks a significant shift in how the department views environmental hazards. If kidney cancer is added as a presumptive condition due to PFAS exposure, veterans who served in areas known for high PFAS contamination may find it easier to secure disability compensation and healthcare benefits.

Currently, veterans must often prove a direct link between their military service and their health condition, a process that can be challenging when it comes to environmental exposures. A presumptive condition means that if a veteran served in a location or role associated with PFAS exposure and develops kidney cancer, the VA will presume that the condition is service-related. This could remove significant hurdles for affected veterans seeking benefits.

Who Could Be Affected?

Veterans who served on military installations where firefighting foam was regularly used are likely to be the most impacted by this review. These bases have been identified as potential hotspots for PFAS contamination. Veterans who worked in firefighting, chemical, or environmental safety roles may also have been exposed to these harmful substances.

If kidney cancer is added to the list of presumptive conditions, veterans who were previously denied benefits for this illness could have their cases reevaluated. This is crucial, as kidney cancer can be an aggressive disease, and timely access to benefits can make a significant difference in terms of treatment options and quality of life.

Certain professions within the military are more likely to have been exposed to PFAS due to their duties involving firefighting, chemical handling, or environmental hazards. Here are some common military professionals who may have been exposed to PFAS:

1. Firefighters Military firefighters who regularly used firefighting foam (AFFF) for training and emergencies are at high risk of PFAS exposure.

2. Aircraft Maintenance Crew Personnel responsible for maintaining aircraft and equipment, particularly in areas where firefighting foam was used, could have had exposure to PFAS.

3. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialists CBRN personnel, due to their handling of hazardous materials and involvement in safety protocols, could have encountered PFAS.

4. Environmental Safety Officers These professionals oversee environmental hazards and safety protocols, including the use and cleanup of firefighting foams.

5. Fuel Handlers Service members responsible for handling and transporting fuel may have been exposed if AFFF was used near fuel storage or spill sites.

6. Firefighting Equipment Instructors Those who trained others in the use of firefighting equipment, particularly AFFF foam, are also at risk.

7. Base Operations Personnel Individuals who worked in base operations, especially in areas where firefighting or hazardous materials were present, might have been exposed.

8. Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Personnel Specifically tasked with responding to aircraft fires, these service members frequently used AFFF and likely encountered PFAS.

9. Military Police/First Responders First responders to fires or accidents involving hazardous materials on military installations may have come into contact with PFAS-laden foam.

10. Facilities Management and Cleanup Crews Personnel tasked with cleaning up spills, fires, or hazardous materials incidents could have been exposed through the cleanup of AFFF.

    
    

These professionals, along with others who may have worked in proximity to areas where firefighting foam was used, could potentially be impacted by PFAS exposure. If you or someone you know served in one of these roles, it may be helpful to explore potential VA benefits related to this exposure.

What Veterans Should Do Now

For veterans who believe they may have been exposed to PFAS and are experiencing health issues, now is a good time to gather medical records and service details that may support a claim. Veterans should monitor updates from the VA as this review progresses and consider reaching out to our VA-accredited representative, Phil Vanderhamm, for assistance with filing claims or appealing previous denials.

Air Force Bases

1. Peterson Air Force Base (Colorado)Known for significant PFAS contamination from firefighting foam used in training.

2. Cannon Air Force Base (New Mexico) Identified with high levels of PFAS, primarily due to firefighting training exercises.

3. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Ohio)Notable for groundwater contamination, raising concerns among veterans and locals.

4. Eglin Air Force Base (Florida)One of the more severely impacted Air Force bases due to heavy use of firefighting foam.

5. Pease Air Force Base (New Hampshire) Closed in 1991; Pease AFB was one of the first bases where PFAS contamination was acknowledged.

6. Fairchild Air Force Base (Washington)Contamination from AFFF use has been reported, impacting drinking water sources nearby.

7. Tyndall Air Force Base (Florida)Significant PFAS contamination, especially affecting groundwater and surrounding areas.

8. Whiteman Air Force Base (Missouri)Whiteman AFB is also under review for PFAS contamination due to the use of firefighting foam, with concerns for veterans who served here.

9. Dover Air Force Base (Delaware)Known for extensive PFAS contamination affecting local water supplies.

10. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (New Jersey) High levels of PFAS found in groundwater and drinking water, with efforts ongoing to clean up contamination.

    
    

Navy Installations

1. Naval Air Station Oceana (Virginia)Identified as a PFAS-contaminated site with ongoing health monitoring efforts.

2. Naval Station Norfolk (Virginia)Large-scale PFAS contamination from firefighting foam, affecting nearby water systems.

3. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (Washington)Under environmental review for PFAS exposure impacting water sources around the base.

4. Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster (Pennsylvania)Closed since the 1990s, this base remains a major contamination site for PFAS.

5. Naval Air Station Jacksonville (Florida)Known for PFAS contamination, particularly in water sources used by veterans and nearby communities.

Army Installations

1. Fort Bragg (North Carolina) Identified with possible PFAS contamination due to training operations using firefighting foam.

2. Fort Leavenworth (Kansas)High levels of PFAS exposure linked to historical use of firefighting foam.

3. Fort Carson (Colorado)PFAS contamination identified, potentially affecting veterans who served here.

Marine Corps Bases

1. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (North Carolina) Known for its water contamination issues, including PFAS among other hazardous substances, impacting thousands of veterans.

2. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (South Carolina) PFAS contamination reported, particularly affecting drinking water sources near the base.

3. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (North Carolina) Identified for high levels of PFAS contamination, especially in areas used for firefighting training.

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Other High-Contamination Areas

1. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (New Jersey) Known for severe contamination issues, with veterans and local communities potentially at risk.

2. Fort Meade (Maryland)PFAS contamination has been detected in groundwater and drinking water surrounding the installation.

3. Horsham Air Guard Station (Pennsylvania)Another heavily contaminated site with long-standing PFAS exposure concerns.

4. Buckley Space Force Base (Colorado)Has been linked to PFAS contamination affecting both military personnel and surrounding communities.

5. Moody Air Force Base (Georgia)Another site identified with significant PFAS contamination issues affecting drinking water.

The VA's review of PFAS exposure and its potential link to health conditions, such as kidney cancer, is significant for veterans who served at these contaminated bases. Veterans who may have been exposed to PFAS at any of these installations could benefit from staying informed about the VA’s decision regarding presumptive conditions. The VA’s acknowledgment of PFAS-related illnesses could make it easier for veterans to file claims for service-connected disability compensation and access the VA benefits they deserve.

If you need help navigating the complexities of building a case related to PFAS exposure or any other service-connected condition, American Veterans Aid is here to assist. Our non-profit organization specializes in helping veterans and their families secure the benefits they deserve. Whether it's gathering evidence, filing claims, or appealing decisions, we can guide you through the process and provide the support you need to pursue your VA benefits.

Reach out to us today for expert assistance!

(720) 773-8969

belinda@americanveteransaid.org

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