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Firefighting foam can contain PFAS, chemicals that persist in the environment and the body. Service and medical records are important evidence in an appeal.
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has beenwidely used by military and civilian firefighters to extinguish fuel fires. Fordecades, AFFF contained PFAS chemicals, including PFOA, commonly known as"forever chemicals" because they can remain in the environment andthe human body for long periods of time. Military personnel, firefighters, andothers who worked around AFFF may have been exposed during training exercises,emergency responses, or through contaminated water supplies on military installations.
Research has linked PFAS exposure to severalserious health conditions, including certain cancers, thyroid disorders, liverproblems, immune system effects, and other chronic illnesses. While the VA doesnot currently provide a presumptive disability for PFAS exposure alone, you mayqualify for VA disability compensation if you have a diagnosed medicalcondition that is connected to your military service and exposure to thesetoxins.
Building a successful claim often requiresevidence of your exposure, a current diagnosis, and medical evidence linkingyour condition to your service. Service records, medical records, and expertmedical opinions can all play an important role in establishing thatconnection.
Berry Law helps Veterans pursue disabilitybenefits related to AFFF, PFAS, and PFOA exposure. Whether you are filing aninitial claim or appealing a denial, our experienced VA-accredited attorneyswill help you gather evidence and present the strongest case possible forservice connection.
The VA reviewsPFAS-related disability claims case by case. Exposure alone does not establisha compensable VA disability, so the evidence must connect a current conditionto military service.
AFFF, or Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, is a firefighting foam used to suppress fuel-based fires. It was commonly used by military and civilian firefighters and often contained PFAS chemicals.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in many industrial and commercial products. PFOA is one of the best-known PFAS chemicals. Because they break down very slowly, they are often called "forever chemicals."
The VA does not award disability compensation for exposure alone. To qualify for benefits, you will likely need a diagnosed medical condition and evidence showing that the condition is connected to your military service or exposure.
Military firefighters, aircraft rescue personnel, Sailors who served aboard ships, aviation crews, and service members stationed at installations where AFFF was used or where PFAS contamination occurred may have been exposed.
Studies have linked PFAS exposure to certain cancers, thyroid disorders, liver disease, immune system effects, and other chronic health conditions. If you have been diagnosed with a condition that may be related to exposure, contact Berry Law to explore whether a VA disability claim is appropriate for your situation.
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