Military Base Toxic Exposure Claims
Many veterans suffer from medical conditions that are the result of spending time on a military base. Many bases use harsh chemicals to perform maintenance or clean burn pits to eliminate waste. Toxic substances released into the air or water can have a devastating effect on a servicemember’s long-term health.
VetLaw’s team of knowledgeable attorneys can help you pursue military base toxic exposure claims in order to obtain disability compensation. Many claims are met with a denial from Veterans Affairs, and a VA-accredited lawyer can make a substantial difference in the appeals process. They can help explain the qualifications for the VA’s disability program, evaluate your case, and take all necessary legal steps to obtain benefits during an appeal of your veteran military base toxic exposure claim denial.
Effects of Toxic Chemicals in Military Bases on a Veteran’s Health
Substances on military bases can affect a servicemember’s health and may result in long-term consequences. Veterans who served on bases in the United States may have been exposed to toxic solvents or cleaning chemicals used for general maintenance. For example, contaminated groundwater at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina can cause certain cancers and gastrointestinal problems. Although VA has recognized the association between certain presumptive conditions and the contaminated groundwater at Camp Lejeune, many other conditions may also be associated with this toxic exposure.
Other military base toxic exposure claims commonly involve incidents which took place overseas. Those who served in the Vietnam War and were exposed to Agent Orange may be awarded compensatory benefits from the VA. More recent examples include Gulf War Syndrome and burn pit exposure.
Qualifying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits
The Veterans Disability Compensation Program provides benefits to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances while serving on active duty. However, suffering from a disabling condition does not automatically qualify a former servicemember for benefits under this program.
A veteran is responsible for establishing that their condition was a direct result of active duty service. In military base toxic exposure claims, this may include proving deployment to a place that had documented chemical issues or showing permanent or temporary duty at a base that is listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund Site list.
It is also essential to demonstrate a connection between a medical condition and exposure to toxic substances on a military base. Cancers, neurological diseases, and respiratory issues may be traceable to a former servicemember’s time on military bases.
Furthermore, only veterans who were discharged from service under honorable conditions are eligible for disability benefits. A compassionate attorney can help explain how to meet the legal requirements associated with filing military base toxic exposure claims.
Call an Attorney for Advice on Filing Military Base Toxic Exposure Claims
Most veterans were exposed to multiple hazards while serving in the military. Toxic substances which affect the long-term health of servicemembers who served on bases that have records of exposure issues could form the basis of a successful claim for benefits. For over 50 years, doctors have connected military service to chronic health conditions due to exposure to toxic chemicals.
A VA-accredited attorney can help you establish a connection between your condition and your active duty service and pursue military base toxic exposure claims for the benefits that you deserve. If you are a veteran and have already received a denial from the VA for your military base toxic exposure claim, VetLaw’s team can also help you file an appeal. Contact our firm to learn more about your legal options.
