The government discovered contaminated groundwater and soil at Camp Pendleton in California back in the 1980s. Since then, the Marine Corps base has been part of a multi-phase cleanup effort. Exposure to Camp Pendleton contaminated water can cause medical conditions, including cancer. If you were stationed at the base, you’ll want to know more about Camp Pendleton VA disability.
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In this article about Camp Pendleton contaminated water:
Camp Pendleton water contamination
Camp Pendleton is a 125,000-acre Marine Corps base in San Diego County, California that opened in 1942. It’s home to about 70,000 service members and civilians, and more than 77,000 retired military personnel live within a 50-mile radius of the base.
Testing in the 1980s showed hazardous substances in the water at Camp Pendleton. It was then discovered that on-site hazardous material disposal had contaminated the groundwater and soil, beginning a massive, multi-phase cleanup operation.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared Camp Pendleton a Superfund site, which marks it as one of the most contaminated places in the nation and focuses funds and efforts on cleanup.
An extensive list of contaminants has been identified at the site. These contaminants include:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are human-made chemicals used in things like paint, gasoline, and cleaning supplies. Exposure to VOCs can cause severe health issues including damage to the central nervous system and organs. Exposure to some VOCs can even cause cancer.
- Heavy metals, which can cause health issues at the cellular level that result in organ failure.
- PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are synthetic chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment. They’re found in things like waterproof clothing, fire extinguisher foam, paint, and cleaning supplies. Exposure to and buildup of these chemicals can result in health issues including reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, among other concerns.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are a group of more than 100 chemicals that form from burning substances like coal, oil, or gas. Excessive or long-term exposure to PAHs can cause cancer, developmental concerns in children, liver issues, and reproductive problems.
- Pesticides, which can increase health risks including cancer and reproductive concerns when a person is exposed to high levels.
Parts of Camp Pendleton have been closed during the cleanup, and people have been warned about the danger of exposure to the groundwater and soil until the process is complete. The government says the current water supply is safe to drink, however, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) warns “legal does not necessarily equal safe,” noting that legal limits for tap water contaminants have not been updated in nearly 20 years.
Camp Pendleton cancer
While the VA doesn’t provide a presumptive service connection for veterans who developed cancer while stationed at Camp Pendleton, at least one academic study has made the connection between service at the base and the development of certain types of cancer.
The study compared cancer rates in veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton. It looked at Marines and Navy personnel stationed at Camp Pendleton between 1975-1985 and civilian workers employed at the camp between October 1972 and December 1985. The sample size was several hundred thousand people.
Although cancer rates at Camp Lejeune were much higher, researchers found that groups stationed at both bases had a higher risk of kidney, rectum, lung, and prostate cancers, leukemias, and multiple myeloma than those stationed in other locations.
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Camp Pendleton VA disability benefits
Unfortunately, the VA does not presume any specific adverse health conditions associated with service at Camp Pendleton.
However, if you are a veteran who served at Camp Pendleton and you believe you were exposed to toxins that caused a disability like cancer or organ failure, you may still be entitled to VA disability benefits if you can service connect your condition.
To establish a service connection, you must provide a medical nexus, or a professional medical opinion that links your condition to your military service.
Because claims of toxin exposure at Camp Pendleton can be difficult to prove, you may want to hire an accredited VA disability lawyer to help build your case.
How Woods & Woods can help
Our team of VA-accredited attorneys, legal analysts, case managers, and intake specialists help veterans nationwide get the benefits they deserve. If you’re tired of appealing one VA decision after another, call us today for a free case evaluation.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. If you served at Camp Pendleton and have developed a medical issue you believe is a result of exposure to contaminated water, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. However, you’ll need to provide a medical nexus linking your condition to exposure at the base.
No. The VA does not currently recognize any presumptive service connection for conditions that may be associated with service at Camp Pendleton. You must provide a medical nexus linking your condition to exposure to toxins at the base.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
