As a veteran, or the surviving spouse of a military veteran, how much do you know about PFAS chemicals?
There may have come a time during your military service where you were exposed to harmful chemicals. While some are obvious causes of later disability or injury, others are not. Most recently, research tells us that “for decades, the military used firefighting foams that contained PFAS chemicals. These per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are also found in hundreds of everyday household products. PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancers and other health problems.”
Where these chemicals originate, as well as how widespread their coverage is, may surprise you. We recently learned through a Military Times article that “an environmental advocacy group has identified 58 more military sites where levels of harmful chemicals used in firefighting foam have been detected in groundwater or drinking water sources, from Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, Alaska to Fort Eustis, Virginia. This brings the total to 175 military installations and sites nationwide that are known to be contaminated by fluorinated compounds known as PFAS, according to the Environmental Working Group. An additional 44 civilian airports are included that are also used by Air National Guard units.”
We want you to know that as a veteran facing a disability or chronic condition, you have options for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
While you may be facing an obvious or immediate sickness or injury, it does not have to be for you to receive compensation. In fact, what many people do not realize is that this tax-free money may also be paid when a disability is not a direct result of a wartime diseases or injury. As the Department of Veterans Affairs shares, “compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service.”
This means there is no specific time frame in which to file a claim for VA Disability Compensation benefits. Our goal is to educate you on how to obtain this valuable benefit that can help you and your family. The key is to not wait to find out if you are eligible for this benefit. We encourage you to ask us your questions and let us help you navigate this maze to get the monthly benefits you deserve. Do not wait to contact us to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with VA Accredited Attorney Anthony Bradley.
