AFFF / PFAS firefighting foam: VA presumptive conditions and claims

AFFF / PFAS firefighting foam exposure

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used in military firefighting contains PFAS 'forever chemicals' linked to cancers and other illnesses. Veterans exposed at flight lines, fire-training pits, and crash crews may have a claim.

Who is covered

Exposures and service VA recognizes:

AFFF / PFAS - Aqueous Film-Forming Foam
from January 1, 1970
Military firefighters and installation personnel using AFFF since the 1970s exposed to PFAS. DoD identified 723 installations. VA currently handles PFAS claims case-by-case.

To see how these conditions combine with others, use the combined-rating calculator.

Documents VA asks for

DD-214: service period
Service records / MOS/rating: confirms firefighter or other AFFF-exposed role
Installation environmental records: 723 DoD installations identified with potential PFAS release
Medical diagnosis + doctor's nexus statement: VA decides case-by-case

Related guides: Intent to File · C&P exam preparation · nexus letters

Legal authority and sources

VA recognition per https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/pfas.asp; no presumptive statute yet

The exposure catalog with primary sources is free in VA Ready for iOS, Vet Ready for Android and VA Ready for Windows; Pro adds Claim Intel and the full 38 CFR rating criteria for every condition.

Presumptive conditions, eligible locations, and dates are summarized from VA.gov and the cited authorities and can change. Always confirm current eligibility at VA.gov or with a VA-accredited representative. VA Ready is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and this page is not legal or medical advice.