High levels of dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at Mountain Home Air Force Base (AFB) in Idaho. Veterans who were subject to PFAS exposure at Mountain Home AFB and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits. This article explains more about toxic exposure at the base and how affected veterans can qualify for VA compensation.
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In this article about PFAS exposure at Mountain Home AFB:
History of Mountain Home Air Force Base toxic exposure
Located on a desert plateau about 50 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho, Mountain Home Air Force Base was constructed in 1943 as a training site during World War II. The base was originally used for Army operations before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1953. The wing is currently home to more than 5,000 servicemembers and civilians, as well as approximately 3,500 family members.
Throughout the years, Mountain Home AFB has been used as a location for aircraft maintenance and other industrial operations that involve the use of hazardous materials. These and other contaminants have been disposed of on-site in landfills and sanitary sewers, contaminating the groundwater and soil. Some of the toxins found on base include petroleum, PFAS, waste oils, solvents, and pesticides.
In 1990, the base was listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Priorities List.
PFAS exposure at Mountain Home AFB
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are synthetic chemicals used, among other applications, to make aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), or fire-fighting foam. The Department of Defense began implementing AFFF in the 1970s to fight fuel fires in the military.
According to the Environmental Working Group, in 2020, the total amount of PFOS and PFOA (two of the most common types of PFAS compounds) found in the groundwater at the base was 214 parts per trillion (ppt). This is more than 50 times the EPA’s maximum legal level of 4 ppt. Levels of PFBS, another PFAS compound, were higher than the legal level by more than a thousandfold. The EPA has since taken measures to clean up the base, but on-site levels of some types of PFAS are still considered hazardous.
Health effects of PFAS
Because scientists are still learning about the health effects of PFAS exposure, there is no definitive data on its health outcomes. However, research suggests exposure to high levels of PFAS may lead to the following health issues:
- Increased levels of cholesterol
- Developmental effects in children, such as low birth weight, behavioral changes, and accelerated puberty
- Increased risk of some cancers, such as prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers
- Reproductive issues such as decreased fertility or high blood pressure in pregnant women
- Weakened immune system
- Reduced vaccine response in children
- Increased risk of thyroid disease
- Liver damage
Other potential toxic exposures at Mountain Home AFB
In addition to PFAS, a number of other toxins were found in the groundwater and soil at Mountain Home AFB. Some of those toxins 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.
- 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.
You can see a full list of the toxins found at Mountain Home Air Force base here.
Mountain Home AFB disability claims
If you are a veteran who served at Mountain Home AFB and believe you were exposed to a toxin that led to your disability, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits.
Unfortunately, despite evidence of toxins in the groundwater and soil at Mountain Home AFB, 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 Mountain Home Air Force Base toxic exposure may still 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. Additional supporting evidence including your military records and lay statements can also help your claim and prove service connection.
Because Mountain Home AFB toxic exposure claims can be difficult to prove, it may be helpful to hire an accredited VA disability lawyer to help build your case.
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B.R., Army veteran from South Carolina
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How Woods & Woods can help
At Woods & Woods, we focus on helping non-working veterans with service-connected conditions get individual unemployability benefits and, in some cases, increased ratings. We also help survivors of veterans receive their DIC benefits. If you think we can help you with your claim, call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we take and win your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
According to the Environmental Working Group, in 2020, the total amount of PFOS and PFOA (two of the most common types of PFAS compounds) found in the groundwater at the base was 214 parts per trillion (ppt). This is more than 50 times the EPA’s maximum legal level of 4 ppt. The EPA has since taken measures to clean up the base, but levels of some types of PFAS are still considered hazardous.
Yes. Any veteran who believes their condition is tied to PFAS exposure at Mountain Home Air Force Base 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.
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.
