For Master Sergeant David Miller (Ret.), the persistent cough wasn’t just an annoyance. It was a daily reminder of his 22 years serving the nation, a service that might have cost him more than just his youth. Stationed at various military bases throughout his career, including Fort Stewart in coastal Georgia during the late 1990s and early 2000s, David was unknowingly exposed to what are now called forever chemicals, or PFAS. These pervasive compounds, found in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware, have been linked to a disturbing array of health issues, raising significant concerns for veteran health nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- PFAS contamination is widespread at over 700 military sites across the United States, posing a significant health risk to veterans and their families.
- Exposure to PFAS has been linked to increased risks of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
- Veterans exposed to PFAS on military bases may be eligible for healthcare and disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- The Department of Defense has identified specific PFAS-contaminated sites and is actively working on remediation efforts, though the process is lengthy.
- Veterans should consult with their healthcare providers and legal counsel to understand their specific exposure risks and potential avenues for recourse.
David’s Story: A Silent Battle After Service
David’s initial symptoms were subtle, easily dismissed as part of aging or the lingering effects of military life. Fatigue, joint pain, and that persistent cough. He’d seen doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic in Savannah for years, each visit yielding prescriptions for symptom management but no clear diagnosis for the underlying cause. “They’d treat the cough, but never really asked why I was coughing,” David recounted during a recent phone call. It wasn’t until 2023, when news reports began detailing widespread PFAS contamination at military installations, that a chilling connection began to form.
The primary culprit for military personnel like David was often aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a highly effective fire suppressant used extensively during training exercises and emergencies. AFFF contains high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals known for their exceptional thermal stability and ability to repel water and oil. Unfortunately, these same properties make them incredibly persistent in the environment and in the human body. They don’t break down, earning them the moniker “forever chemicals.”
The Pervasive Reach of PFAS on Military Bases
The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified hundreds of military sites with known or suspected PFAS contamination. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from May 2023, over 700 military installations across the United States and its territories have confirmed or suspected PFAS releases. These sites include active bases, former bases, and National Guard facilities, impacting a vast number of service members and their families who lived and worked there.
David’s time at Fort Stewart, for instance, put him directly in the path of this exposure. Fort Stewart, like many bases, conducted regular fire training exercises where AFFF was used and then allowed to seep into the ground, contaminating soil and groundwater. Nearby communities, relying on local water sources, also faced potential exposure. This isn’t an isolated incident. Similar scenarios played out at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Naval Air Station Pensacola, and countless other locations. The sheer scale of the contamination makes it a public health crisis.
Understanding the Health Impacts: What the Science Says
The scientific understanding of PFAS and their health implications has grown significantly over the past decade. Research, much of it spearheaded by institutions like the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), has established strong links between PFAS exposure and a range of adverse health outcomes. David’s persistent cough and fatigue fit within a broader pattern.
Specifically, studies have shown elevated risks for:
Veteran homeowners. Want to lower your monthly payments?
See if a VA Cash Out Loan or VA Home Loan can put cash in your pocket or help you buy with $0 down. A specialist will review your options, free.
- VA Cash Out Loan: use up to 100% of your home’s equity
- VA Home Loan: buy a home with $0 down payment
- No cost, no obligation eligibility check
You’re all set.
A VA loan specialist will reach out shortly to review your Home Loan and Cash Out options.
- Kidney cancer and testicular cancer: These cancers have been consistently associated with higher levels of PFAS in the blood.
- Ulcerative colitis: An inflammatory bowel disease that can cause significant digestive issues.
- Thyroid disease: PFAS can interfere with thyroid hormone production, leading to conditions like hypothyroidism.
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia: A serious concern for military spouses and female service members.
- High cholesterol: Another metabolic disruption linked to PFAS.
- Decreased vaccine response in children: This indicates a potential impact on the immune system.
The challenge for veterans like David often lies in connecting these general health risks to their specific symptoms and military service. The latency period for some of these conditions can be years, even decades, after initial exposure, making it difficult to establish a direct causal link without complete medical and exposure histories. “It’s hard to prove something happened twenty years ago when you didn’t even know what to look for,” David mused, a sentiment echoed by many veterans struggling with similar issues.
Working through the VA System for PFAS-Related Conditions
For veterans, the path to receiving care and compensation for PFAS-related health issues involves working through the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2024, the VA began to expand its understanding of PFAS as a service-connected exposure. The PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, significantly expanded VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including some related to PFAS, though the direct inclusion of PFAS as a presumptive condition is still evolving.
David, after learning about the contamination at Fort Stewart, proactively sought information. He discovered that while PFAS isn’t always a presumptive condition (meaning the VA automatically assumes a service connection), veterans can still file claims based on direct exposure and medical evidence. This often requires:
- Documenting military service: Records of duty stations and dates of service are important.
- Medical diagnosis: A confirmed diagnosis of one of the conditions linked to PFAS.
- Evidence of exposure: This can be challenging but might include water quality reports from the base, documented AFFF use, or even blood tests showing elevated PFAS levels.
My opinion is that the VA’s process, while improving, remains complex. Many veterans find themselves needing assistance to compile the necessary evidence and articulate their claims effectively. It is not always a straightforward application, and the burden of proof often falls heavily on the veteran seeking legal help.
Remediation Efforts and the Future Outlook
The DoD is undertaking extensive efforts to address PFAS contamination. These efforts include:
- Site investigations: Identifying the extent and sources of contamination at military installations.
- Drinking water treatment: Installing filtration systems to remove PFAS from drinking water supplies on and near bases.
- Developing new firefighting foams: Researching and implementing fluorine-free alternatives to AFFF.
- Long-term remediation technologies: Exploring and deploying methods to destroy PFAS in soil and water, though effective, large-scale solutions are still in development.
For example, at Fort Stewart, the Army has initiated several phases of investigation and remediation, including groundwater monitoring and the installation of treatment systems for affected wells. These processes are not quick fixes. They often span years, requiring continuous monitoring and adaptation. The sheer persistence of these chemicals means that even after remediation, ongoing vigilance is necessary.
David’s journey, like that of many veterans, shows the enduring impact of environmental exposures during service. He has since connected with a local veterans’ advocacy group in Atlanta, which has helped him gather the necessary documents and medical records to strengthen his VA claim. He is currently awaiting a decision on his claim for service connection related to his thyroid condition and ulcerative colitis, conditions his doctors now believe are linked to his PFAS exposure.
The story of David Miller is not unique. Thousands of veterans across the United States face similar challenges, grappling with health issues that emerge years after their service. Their experiences highlight a critical public health issue and the long-term responsibilities owed to those who served. The fight against PFAS contamination, both in terms of remediation and veteran care, is a marathon, not a sprint.
The ongoing research into PFAS health effects, coupled with legislative action and the VA’s evolving policies, offers a glimmer of hope. However, it also demands continued advocacy and support for veterans as they navigate this complex field. We cannot allow these silent battles to be fought alone.
For veterans concerned about PFAS exposure, consulting with a healthcare provider familiar with environmental health is an important first step, followed by exploring resources available through the VA and veteran support organizations.
What are PFAS and why are they called “forever chemicals”?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. They are called “forever chemicals” because their chemical bonds are extremely strong, making them highly resistant to degradation in the environment and in the human body. This means they persist for a very long time.
How were veterans primarily exposed to PFAS on military bases?
Veterans were primarily exposed to PFAS through the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a highly effective fire suppressant used extensively during fire training exercises and emergency response situations. This foam would then seep into the ground, contaminating soil and groundwater, which could then impact drinking water supplies.
What specific health conditions are linked to PFAS exposure?
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several serious health conditions, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, high cholesterol, and decreased vaccine response in children. The severity and likelihood of these conditions can depend on the level and duration of exposure.
Can veterans get VA benefits for PFAS-related health issues?
Yes, veterans may be eligible for VA healthcare and disability benefits for health conditions linked to PFAS exposure. While PFAS is not always a presumptive condition, veterans can file claims with evidence of service connection, including proof of exposure at a military base and a medical diagnosis of a linked condition. The PACT Act has expanded eligibility for benefits related to toxic exposures.
What steps are being taken to address PFAS contamination at military sites?
The Department of Defense is actively engaged in site investigations to determine the extent of contamination, installing filtration systems for drinking water, developing fluorine-free firefighting foams, and researching long-term remediation technologies to destroy PFAS in affected environments. These efforts aim to mitigate further exposure and clean up existing contamination.
