Getting VA Disability Benefits for Fort Jackson Water Contamination

In the early 2010s, contaminated groundwater was discovered at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Government environmental groups have since worked to clean up the pollution, but veterans who were exposed to toxins before these efforts may be dealing with certain health conditions as a consequence. If you were stationed at the base and developed health complications related to Fort Jackson toxic exposure, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. This article explains more.

History of Fort Jackson toxic exposure

Fort Jackson is a 53,000-acre Army training base in Columbia, South Carolina that was established in 1917. Since then, the base has housed thousands of soldiers and is the biggest training center in the nation, training half of the country’s soldiers as well as 60% of women entering the Army each year.

Toxic contamination was first detected at Fort Jackson in 2013 when water on the base tested positive for royal demolition explosive (RDX), a man-made explosive found in hand grenades and artillery shells. Initially, the Army claimed it had not found unsafe levels of the chemical, but testing in 2014 found high levels of RDX in wells across from the base. In 2019, it was reported that 31 of the 186 wells on the base contained the substance.

Officials have said the contamination is likely not from current hand grenade training, but rather past training activities that could date as far back as the 1940s. Because the Army once used additional land off base as a training ground, the pollution affects not only Fort Jackson, but also water serving parts of the surrounding community. 

Long-term exposure to RDX can affect the nervous system and cause seizures. Some people exposed to large amounts of the chemical have also experienced changes in blood pressure. Research is limited on whether the toxin causes cancer, but the EPA has classified RDX as a possible human carcinogenic.

Fort Jackson water contamination

In addition to RDX, concerns have also been raised about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  (PFAS) and other contaminants in the water at Fort Jackson. 

PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment. PFAS are used to make a number of products, including fabrics, adhesives, food packaging, and fire-fighting foam.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), in 2020, PFAS levels in the groundwater and drinking water at Fort Jackson were well above the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels. Exposure to and buildup of PFAS can lead to health problems such as reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, and an increased risk of some cancers.

Additionally, the EWG has identified other contaminants detected at lower levels in the drinking water on base. The organization claims the water is “in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.” They note, however, that just because water receives a passing grade from the federal government, it is not necessarily safe, as legal limits for contaminants in water have not been updated in nearly 20 years.

Several other toxins have been found in the drinking water at Fort Jackson at levels that exceed the EWG’s guidelines, but are considered safe by federal standards. These include:

• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), which are cancer-causing contaminants that form when water is treated to remove toxins
• Hexavalent chromium, which is used in stainless steel and other metals as a protectant, and can cause respiratory issues, eye damage, kidney problems, liver damage, and respiratory cancer, among other health-related concerns
• Haloacetic Acids (HAAs), which also form when cleaning water, and can cause cancers or problems with fetal growth and development
• Radium, which is a radioactive element that can cause certain types of cancer, including bone cancer and leukemia

Fort Jackson VA claims

If you are a veteran who served at Fort Jackson and believe you were exposed to water contamination that led to your disability, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits.

Unfortunately, despite evidence of Fort Jackson water contamination, the VA does not recognize any adverse health conditions associated with service at the base. However, this does not mean you can’t get the disability compensation you deserve. Any veteran who believes their condition is tied to Fort Jackson toxic exposure may still be able to receive VA disability benefits if they are able to service connect their condition. To do this, the veteran must provide a medical nexus, or a professional medical opinion linking the diagnosis to an in–service cause. Additional supporting evidence including your military records and lay statements can also help your claim and prove service connection.

Because Fort Jackson toxic exposure claims can be difficult to prove, it may be helpful to hire an accredited VA disability lawyer to help build your case.

---

---

How Woods & Woods can help

Woods & Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.

Talk to Us About Your Claim: 
(812) 426-7200

Frequently asked questions