Fort Leonard Wood
Base Background
Located in the Missouri Ozarks, Fort Leonard Wood was established in 1940 and remains an active military installation today. The base was originally intended to train infantry troops, but in 1941 became an engineer training post with the establishment of the Engineer Replacement Training Center. Over the decades, it has evolved into a major training center for the U.S. Army.
Unfortunately, like many military installations across the country, Fort Leonard Wood has faced environmental contamination issues. The use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) by firefighters—a fire suppressant containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—has resulted in significant contamination throughout the facility.
Toxic Exposure at Fort Leonard Wood
Military personnel, their families, civilian workers, and nearby communities have potentially been exposed to several toxic substances at Fort Leonard Wood. The primary concern centers around PFAS chemicals, though other contaminants have also been identified.
PFAS Contamination
PFAS compounds, particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), have been detected in groundwater and drinking water systems at Fort Leonard Wood. These “forever chemicals” persist in the environment indefinitely and can accumulate in the human body over time.
At Fort Leonard Wood, PFAS contamination primarily stems from:
- Firefighting training areas where AFFF was regularly used
- Aircraft hangars and airstrips where foam systems were deployed
- Fire stations and equipment testing locations
- Waste disposal areas
PFAS chemicals can migrate through soil into groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water supplies on and off the base. Exposure has been linked to various health conditions, including increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of certain cancers, decreased fertility, and immune system effects.
If you have a condition related to PFAS contamination, you can seek compensation through a VA disability claim or a lawsuit. Get a free case evaluation here to explore your options with no upfront cost.
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the medical conditions associated with toxic exposure at this base, classified by the strength of evidence required (strong, good or limited).* Please keep in mind that it is not a complete list.
| 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.
Paths to Compensation
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes toxic exposure during military service as potentially eligible for disability benefits, for certain diagnoses. Additionally, both veterans and non-veterans may seek compensation for PFAS exposure through lawsuits.
An experienced lawyer can assist you in winning your case. Please call us on 1-888-477-2363 for a free evaluation. We specialize in disability law and work on a contingency basis, with no upfront fees.