Veterans who served at Fort McClellan and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits. This article explains more about Fort McClellan toxic exposure and how affected veterans can qualify for compensation.
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For years, service members and their families stationed at Fort McClellan were exposed to dangerous toxins that may have led to the development of certain types of cancers and other serious health conditions. If you were diagnosed with a condition you believe is related to contaminants you were exposed to at Fort McClellan, you’ll want to understand what VA disability benefits you may be eligible for.
In this article about Fort McClellan toxic exposure:
History of Fort McClellan toxic exposure
Fort McClellan, located in Anniston, Alabama, became an Army training base in 1917 during World War I. After World War II, the base hosted an average of 10,000 service members at a time. Many of them served at its Army Chemical Corps, Army Military Police School, and the Women’s Army Corps, among others.
From 1929 to 1935, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were manufactured by Swann Chemical Company, a chemical plant just south of the base, and after that by Monsanto Chemical Corporation until 1971. These chemicals were released into the air and water, leading to significant contamination and human exposure.
Monsanto disposed of hazardous waste in multiple areas around the plant, which occupied around 70 acres of land. PCB contamination has since been found in the soil, sediment, surface water, groundwater, and air around Anniston and several neighboring counties.
In addition to PCBs, many service members at Fort McClellan were exposed to radioactive compounds and chemical warfare agents after the base conducted “Operation Top Hat.” This covert operation used service members to test exposure and decontamination methods. The VA has since recognized that potential exposures at Fort McClellan may have included, but are not limited to, radioactive compounds cesium-137 and cobalt-60 and chemical warfare agents like mustard gas and nerve agents.
The VA also recognized the presence of asbestos pollution inside the barracks.
What are PCBs?
PCBs are man-made organic chemicals that were used for nearly 50 years until their production was banned in the U.S. in 1977 due to their potential to cause cancer and build up in the environment. They were used as ingredients in coolants and lubricants in transformers, fluorescent lighting, microscope oil, and hydraulic fluids, among other uses.
These toxic chemicals do not break down easily, which means they remain in the environment for long periods of time after their release. Additionally, they can travel long distances in the air, making it easy for them to spread to areas far from where they originated.
List of diseases – Fort McClellan
PCBs, radiation from cesium-137 and cobalt-60, and chemical warfare agents like mustard gas and nerve agents can cause serious health issues for people exposed to them. Below is a list of some of the conditions most commonly linked to exposure to these chemicals.
Diseases caused by exposure to PCBs:
- Skin conditions such as acne and rashes.
- Liver damage
- Certain cancers
- Immune system problems
Diseases caused by exposure to radioactive compounds such as cesium-137 and cobalt-60:
- Cell damage
- Acute radiation syndrome
- Skin burns
- Cancer
Diseases caused by exposure to chemical warfare agents like mustard gas and nerve agents:
- Breathing problems and other respiratory issues
- Headaches
- Photophobia
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Anorexia
- Arrhythmias
- Hemorrhage
- Anemia
- Bowel and urinary incontinence
Diseases caused by exposure to asbestos:
- Asbestosis
- Pleural plaques (scarring of the inside of the ribcage and area surrounding the lungs)
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
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Fort McClellan disability claims
If you are a veteran who served at Fort McClellan and believe you were exposed to a toxin that led to your disability, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits.
Although the VA recognizes toxic exposures at Fort McClellan, it does not recognize any adverse health conditions associated with service at the base. The VA has instead said that even though exposure to high levels of PCBs have been proven to cause diseases, there is no evidence of exposures of this magnitude occurring at Fort McClellan.
The VA does, however, admit to the harmful effects of nerve agent exposure. Although there are currently no presumptive conditions related to nerve agent exposure, veterans with conditions they believe to be caused by exposure to these chemicals may have an easier time proving service connection and getting the VA benefits they deserve than those trying to prove service connection for PCBs.
Nevertheless, any veteran who believes their condition is tied to Fort McClellan toxic exposure still may be eligible 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.
Because Fort McClellan toxic exposure claims can be difficult to prove, it can 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
Yes. Veterans who served at Fort McClellan and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits if they’re able to provide a medical nexus linking their service to possible exposures at the base.
No. Although the VA recognizes toxic exposures at Fort McClellan, it does not offer presumptive service connection for any condition that may be associated with service 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.
