Military service should be a badge of honor—not a lifelong struggle with illness. Sadly, many veterans who served on military bases were exposed to toxic substances. These exposures caused serious health problems, including, but not limited to, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.
If you served on a Superfund site or a base known for toxic exposure, this guide is for you. We’ll explain your options, including VA disability benefits, resources, and how to appeal a denied claim. Whether you need advice or help increasing your VA rating, Hill & Ponton is here for you.
Types of Military Toxic Exposure and Presumptive Conditions
Veterans may have been exposed to toxic chemicals during active duty. These exposures often result in long-term health problems. Below are the most common types of toxic exposure veterans face:
Contaminated Water
Military bases like Camp Lejeune are infamous for water contamination by chemicals such as TCE, PCE, and benzene.
Linked to the following eight presumptive conditions:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Learn more about Camp Lejeune claims →
Burn Pits
Common during the Gulf War and other deployments, burn pits released toxic fumes from burning waste materials like plastics and medical supplies.
Veterans exposed to burn pits often develop:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Various cancers
- Autoimmune disorders
Explore burn pit-related health claims →
Radiation Exposure
Veterans involved in nuclear testing, weapons handling, or cleanup were exposed to radiation hazards. These claims can be especially difficult to prove, but the PACT Act expands benefits for veterans exposed to radiation.
Radiation exposure is linked to:
- Lung cancer
- Bone cancer
- Leukemia
Find out about VA benefits for radiation exposure →
Hazardous Chemicals
Veterans often came into contact with chemical exposure from industrial solvents, fuels, and CARC paint, which carry serious risks. Exposure to hazardous chemicals often occurs related to a veteran’s duties in service.
These exposures are tied to conditions such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Mesothelioma
- Neurological disorders
Warfare Agents
Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War caused conditions like:
- Prostate cancer
- Diabetes
- Respiratory problems
Exposure to mustard gas, nerve agents, and biological weapons also harmed veterans from World War II to recent conflicts. Learn more about Agent Orange exposure →
Superfund Sites and Environmental Hazards
Many military bases are classified as Superfund sites due to their history of hazardous contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started the “Superfund” program in 1980 when Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This program is an effort to clean up land that the EPA has deemed contaminated by hazardous waste and poses a risk to human health and/or the environment.
The EPA currently has over 130 US based military installations and sites listed as Superfund Priorities. Check if your base is flagged on our Military Base Toxic Exposure Map →
Health Risks from Toxic Exposure
Exposure to toxic substances can lead to long-term health problems. Below are the most common risks tied to military service:
Cancers
Exposure to toxic substances on military bases, such as Agent Orange, burn pits, and radiation, is linked to various cancers, including:
- Bladder cancer: Frequently associated with Agent Orange and contaminated water at bases like Camp Lejeune.
- Kidney cancer: Often tied to chemical contaminants in water at Superfund sites.
- Lung cancer: A major risk for veterans exposed to burn pits and radiation hazards.
Respiratory Conditions
Veterans exposed to airborne toxins frequently develop chronic respiratory illnesses, including:
- Asthma: Common among veterans of the Gulf War, where burn pits were prevalent.
- COPD: Caused by long-term exposure to hazardous air pollutants like smoke and chemical vapors.
- Pulmonary fibrosis: Linked to exposure to toxic air and water contamination.
Neurological Disorders
Toxins such as Agent Orange and industrial chemicals can damage the nervous system, leading to:
- Parkinson’s disease: Recognized as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to herbicides.
- Peripheral neuropathy: Often tied to long-term exposure to industrial solvents.
- Cognitive impairments: Memory and concentration issues caused by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals.
What VA Benefits Are Available for Toxic Exposure?
Veterans with health problems caused by toxic exposure during their military service may qualify for several benefits, including:
- Monthly Tax-Free Disability Compensation: Payments are based on your VA disability rating. Use our VA Disability Calculator to estimate your benefits →
- VA Healthcare Access: Receive priority care for service-connected conditions at little or no cost.
Additional Benefits:
- Educational assistance for dependents
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
- Home loan fee waivers
Get the Help You Need with Hill & Ponton
Navigating VA disability claims for toxic exposure can be overwhelming. At Hill & Ponton, we’ve helped thousands of veterans fight for the benefits they deserve—even after denials.
Hill and Ponton, Matthew Hill, and his crew were fantastic. They were able to prove my cancer was on the list, and with their help, I was treated with chemotherapy and got up to 100% disability. I am eternally grateful to them.
– Charles Corn, former Hill & Ponton client
We Provide:
- Informational Resources: Our VETS Advantage Newsletter provides helpful tips for navigating the VA system, especially for those just getting started.
- Live Q&A Sessions: Join our YouTube live streams every Wednesday to get answers to your VA claims questions.
- Appeals Assistance: If your claim was denied or you received a low rating, we can help you appeal and fight for the benefits you deserve. Start Your Free Case Evaluation Today →
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if my base isn’t on your map?
If your base isn’t included on our toxic exposure list, you may still qualify for VA benefits. The key is providing evidence that supports your exposure to harmful substances during your service.
This can be done by:
- Service Records: Documenting your assignment to areas where toxic exposure could have occurred.
- Buddy Statements: Obtaining statements from fellow service members who can corroborate your account of exposure.
Even without your base being flagged, strong evidence can help establish the connection needed to support your claim for benefits.
What is the PACT Act, and how does it help veterans?
Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, is one of the most significant expansions of VA healthcare and benefits in recent history. This legislation broadens eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances, such as burn pits, Agent Orange, and other environmental hazards during their service.
Key benefits of the PACT Act include:
- Expanded Eligibility for VA Healthcare: Veterans who served in specific locations and time periods are now eligible for VA healthcare, even if they were not previously enrolled.
- New Presumptive Conditions: The Act establishes a list of conditions presumed to be caused by exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Veterans no longer have to prove a direct link between their illness and military service for these conditions.
- Increased Coverage for Gulf War Veterans: Veterans who served in the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts gain expanded access to benefits, addressing long-standing gaps in coverage for those exposed to airborne hazards.
- Streamlined Claims Process: By removing barriers to establishing service connection for presumptive conditions, the Act simplifies the process for veterans to secure compensation.
By recognizing the long-term health impacts of toxic exposures, the PACT Act ensures that more veterans receive the medical care and disability benefits they deserve.
Can I appeal if my VA disability claim was denied?
Yes. Most denials can be appealed with new evidence or medical opinions. Your service deserves recognition, and your health deserves care. Whether you’re appealing a denied claim or exploring your options, Hill & Ponton is here to help. Get Started with a Free Case Evaluation →
What if my condition isn’t listed as presumptive or well-known?
s providing evidence that your condition is related to your military service, such as medical records, scientific studies supporting a link between Agent Orange and your condition, or expert opinions.
While the process may take more effort, many veterans have successfully secured benefits through well-documented claims that demonstrate this direct connection.
Content Reviewed by
Attorney Anne Linscott
Anne Linscott is an attorney at Hill & Ponton, P.A., dedicated to helping veterans secure the disability benefits they deserve. With a strong background in finance and law, Anne brings compassionate advocacy and a deep commitment to supporting those who have served.
