While the military base is a Superfund site, it has not been added to the National Priorities List, which means that the Environmental Protection Agency is not carrying out cleanup activities to remove toxic contaminants from the installation. The presence of PFAS at Fort Rucker is official, but the concentration of these chemicals in the environment is currently unknown. Even in small amounts, PFAS are highly dangerous to the health of those exposed, so veterans who were stationed at this military base should keep a close eye on their health.
What toxic agents are present on Fort Rucker?
At the moment, PFAS are the only known toxic contaminants lurking on Fort Rucker. Out of this group of chemicals, PFOA and PFOS are the most dangerous, as they have a strong association with multiple cancers. Not only are these substances harmful to the environment, as some take over a thousand years to break down, but also to the health of service members who live at Fort Rucker. Nevertheless, veterans who spent time at the military base during the last century have the highest risk of developing a disease as a consequence of PFAS exposure.
Cancer is the third leading cause of death among veterans, and many came to struggle with a disease due to toxic exposure on military bases such as Fort Rucker. Because misdiagnosis is very common in veterans, they should seek a second opinion if they believe they developed a serious disease. On the bright side, the Pentagon announced that it would cease using AFFF in the military and replace it with a PFAS-free fire suppressant by 2024. While this will prevent additional contamination, nearly 700 military bases nationwide remain contaminated.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at Fort Rucker?
Toxic exposure can be responsible for countless health problems, but veterans and family members who intend to file a claim should keep in mind that only certain diagnoses might deem them entitled to compensation. This is because there are only some diseases that have a strong connection with military toxic exposure. Even if the individual struggles with one of these illnesses, they might still not be eligible to file a claim, as there are other criteria they must meet. Veterans and family members can file a claim if they spent at least one cumulative year at Fort Rucker and developed one of the following diseases:
With over 30 years of experience in handling toxic exposure claims, our attorneys will gladly review your case to determine if you are eligible to file a claim, whether you are a veteran or a family member of one. The legal process is simple and will mostly take place over the phone, as we understand how physically and emotionally draining suffering from a serious disease can be. If we establish that you are eligible, our skilled legal team will promptly file your claim so that you can obtain the compensation you deserve.
