Veterans over the age of 50 years show an increased risk of kidney cancer when compared with non-veteran populations of a similar age. Consistent evidence suggests that for this group, PFAS exposure poses a significant risk factor. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) currently does not provide compensation for this condition under the PACT Act 2022. Notably, PACT Act kidney cancer claims can be made for exposure at Camp Lejeune and burning pits, leading to a paradoxical situation where some veterans may get compensation, while PFAS kidney cancer veterans do not.
There are more than 324,000 veterans in Maryland, and over 6,200 of them live in Columbia CDP. Current data shows that in this state, 34 military installations have documented PFAS pollution, including Fort Detrick and Gunpowder Military Reservation. In response to this gap in coverage, ELG Law is a national legal team representing veterans in claims for kidney cancer, fighting to secure the compensation they deserve.
PFAS and Kidney Cancer Risk
PFAS are man-made molecules used for their extreme resistance to heat and moisture, with widespread applicability in military and consumer products. These substances cannot degrade naturally and, with repeated exposure, accumulate in the body, with a particular affinity for the kidneys due to their role in filtration and excretion. Eventually, this results in cellular injury and DNA mutations that, over time, develop into malignant processes. These phenomena take place over years, and veterans exposed can develop kidney cancer long after their service ended.
Considering the current evidence on PFAS and links to kidney cancer pathology, ELG classifies PFAS-linked kidney cancer as a Category A injury and prioritizes these cases because of their increased potential for success. PFAS exposure at military bases with documented toxic exposure, such as Fort Detrick and Gunpowder Military Reservation, PFAS contamination, serves as a compelling case in support of service connection, significantly strengthening the likelihood of favorable outcomes in disability claims and legal actions.
Limited Kidney Cancer Coverage Under the PACT Act
Although significant progress was achieved in streamlining claims for toxic exposure with the implementation of the PACT Act, several gaps remain in this legislation, with important consequences for veterans. At present, although this Act does include kidney cancer on its list of presumptive diseases, because PFAS are not recognised as exposure agents, any VA claim for kidney cancer caused by these toxic chemicals must be supported by direct evidence linking service-related exposure to the diagnosis. Therefore, instead of the usual pathway for attaining PACT Act disability benefits for veterans, these people need a PFAS cancer lawyer. The scope of this service is to alleviate the burden on veterans of compiling data on exposure, medical records, and scientific evidence of causal links, resulting in a smoother and more rapid compensation process.
For the past 10 months, the VA has been analyzing the evidence base for PFAS and kidney cancer risk in veterans. Nonetheless, this process is very complex, implying more than just an assessment of scientific literature. At this pace, formal recognition of PFAS as presumptive exposure agents may still be months or even years away. However, with a cancer diagnosis, for many veterans, time is of the essence.
ELG Law’s Role in PFAS-Kidney Cancer Claims
ELG Law is at the forefront of providing legal support for veterans diagnosed with kidney cancer tied to PFAS exposure, spearheading legislative change, and securing justice for those harmed by toxic military environments. To ensure services related to veteran compensation for PFAS-related kidney cancer with ELG, you must have served or lived within one mile of any known PFAS-contaminated base after 1970. You also need to have at least one year of cumulative exposure and have a medical diagnosis of kidney cancer. While family members can sue on behalf of their lost loved one, priority is given to living cases.
Case evaluations for PFAS-linked kidney cancer lawsuits are provided by ELG completely free, allowing you to get a better understanding of your case and claim without any legal fees. Legal representation is also provided free of charge until your compensation is awarded. This means that you will not have to pay anything until the VA funds are deposited into your account.
If you served at any PFAS-contaminated site, including Fort Detrick or Gunpowder Military Reservation, and later developed kidney cancer, you may be entitled to compensation even if the VA does not formally recognize PFAS as a presumptive exposure. ELG Law can support you throughout this process with free case evaluations and legal representation at no cost unless we win your case. Contact ELG Law today to start your PFAS kidney cancer claim and get the justice you deserve.
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