VA Studies Forever Chemicals for Links to Veteran Disabilities
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively investigating the health effects of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of manufactured chemicals used in numerous products, including those used by the military to fight fires.
In the fall of 2024, the VA began an assessment “to determine if there is a relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure during military service and kidney cancer among Veterans,” according to a press release at VA.gov.
The scientific assessment is another result of the passage of the PACT Act and is designed to “help VA determine if kidney cancer should be considered a presumptive service-connected condition for Veterans exposed to PFAS.”
Why is this important? When a service-related medical condition or disability is considered presumptive, there is no need to prove military service caused the condition to get VA benefits.
According to the official site, “VA automatically assumes (or “presumes”) that exposure during military service caused the disease and provides benefits accordingly.”
That study is part of a larger VA effort to expand VA healthcare options for those with presumptive conditions.
The VA added new conditions to that list in 2024 and began the process to designate multiple myeloma and acute and chronic leukemias as presumptive conditions associated with duty in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and other locations to be determined.
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What the VA Says
“At VA, we want to understand the health conditions that Veterans are living with so we can provide them with all of the benefits they deserve — and that’s what this review process is all about,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough, who was quoted in a VA press release about the study.
He continues, “As a result of this scientific review, we may be able to make kidney cancer a presumptive condition for Veterans exposed to PFAS, thus lowering the burden of proof on these Veterans.”
“But make no mistake: Veterans should not wait for the outcome of this review to apply for the benefits and care they deserve. If you’re a Veteran and believe your military service has negatively impacted your health, we encourage you to apply for VA care and benefits today.”
The PACT Act
The passage of the PACT Act allowed the VA to conduct this type of research but also to expand benefits and care, “including extending presumptions for head cancer, neck cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, reproductive cancer, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma, hypertension for Vietnam Veterans, and much more.
To date, VA has extended presumptions for more than 300 new conditions, including male breast cancer, urethral cancer, and cancer of the paraurethral glands.
What Are PFAS Chemicals?
According to VA literature, PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” have been used in the military since the early 1970s. The study includes examining “peer-reviewed scientific literature, Veteran claims data, and other relevant data.”
Forever chemicals are a cause of concern; the VA is focused on the relationship between PFAS exposure and cancer in veterans, given the possibility of exposure during military service.
VA PFAS Research
The VA research into forever chemicals includes:
- Longitudinal studies: Tracking groups of veterans to monitor the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure.
- Comprehensive health studies: Examining the relationship between PFAS exposure and medical issues such as cancer.
- Data collection: Gathering information from veterans with PFAS exposure through the PFAS Registry and similar initiatives.
Support for Veterans
Veterans concerned about PFAS exposure should consult their primary care provider. The VA provides information on PFAS through the official site. While research continues, the VA emphasizes that veterans should not delay applying for benefits and care if they believe they have health issues associated with military service.
Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for more information about applying for benefits.
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About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
