Fort Bragg / Fort Liberty
Base Background
Fort Bragg, North Carolina was established in 1918. At the end of World War I, the military transferred personnel and equipment from Camp McClellan in Alabama to what was then called Camp Bragg. At the beginning, the base focused on long-range weapon testing. Fort Bragg became a testing center for airborne units during World War II and continues to support combat and humanitarian missions around the world. It was renamed Fort Liberty in 2023.
Fort Bragg Toxic Contamination
Due to decades of AFFF firefighting foam use, Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) has extensive PFAS contamination, which has also spread beyond the base boundaries through groundwater movement. Testing has identified multiple areas where PFAS-contaminated groundwater has migrated off-base, potentially affecting residential wells in surrounding communities.
The Army has acknowledged this long-term PFAS contamination issue and its potential impact. Veterans who served at the base are likely to have greater concentrations of PFAS due to their exposure during active duty. Two types of PFAS, PFOS and PFOA, are strongly associated with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the toxins associated with this military location and the potential effects of exposure.*
| Toxin | Potential Effects | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Good | Limited | ||
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Potential Effects | - | - | Testicular cancer, Renal (kidney) cancer, Prostate cancer |
*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.
Can You Make a VA Disability Claim for PFAS Contamination?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes toxic exposure during service as potentially eligible for disability benefits. Veterans who were stationed at a military base and later experienced adverse health effects may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition related to toxic water contamination following service at Fort Bragg (please note the illness list above may be incomplete), get in touch for a free evaluation of your case.