VA Claims for AFFF Exposure: How to File in 2025

Aqueous film-forming foam, commonly called AFFF, is a fire suppressant used at fire stations and military bases. It effectively puts out flammable liquid fires, including jet fuel.

Unfortunately, it also contains toxic chemicals that pose severe health risks. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acknowledged that AFFF exposure could lead to health problems, including cancer. Here is an overview of available compensation and the claims process with the VA.

VA Claim Process for AFFF Exposure Claims

Eligibility for AFFF VA claims depends on:

• Your status as a current or past service member
• The link between your health condition and AFFF exposure
• Whether the exposure occurred during military service

If you can meet these requirements, you can start the claims process. That process involves:

• Claim application: You can complete the application online or mail a paper application to a VA office. Your application should show you have an existing medical condition linked to AFFF exposure during military service.
• Initial review and evidence gathering: The VA will review your application and collect evidence, including military records, medical information and other relevant information. They will contact you if they need clarification or additional information.
• Claim review: The VA will assign a claims examiner to review your claim and ensure they have enough information to decide on benefits. This step often exceeds 120 days.
• Decision: Once the claims examiner finishes their review, they will notify you whether they accepted or denied your claim. If they need more information, they will request it from you before deciding.
• Appeal (for denied claims): You can appeal the decision if you receive a denial letter. Use the forms provided to request a decision review and consider hiring an attorney to assist you and create a stronger case.

Understanding PFAS and AFFF Exposure Risks

AFFF, a foam used to fight fires, contains forever chemicals or PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). While PFAS is effective in firefighting, the toxic substance persists in the environment and can accumulate in our bodies over time.

AFFF exposure risks at work, such as inhalation, ingestion or skin contact, are linked to severe health risks, including cancer and chronic illness. Military personnel together with other professions, such as workers in industry and municipal firefighters, face the highest AFFF exposure risks.

If you have been exposed to PFAS while serving in the military, promptly seek medical advice and treatment. You may be entitled to specific VA benefits or could qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Evidence Required for AFFF-Related VA Claims

Presenting compelling evidence is crucial when filing a VA claim related to AFFF exposure. Essential documents include service records confirming your military service and exposure to AFFF, such as assignments in the Navy or positions like firefighter, where contact with the toxic substance is common.

Crucial evidence for your AFFF-related VA claim also includes medical records detailing your diagnosis of cancer or another serious condition and establishing a clear link between your illness and PFAS exposure. If your claim involves a disability rating, obtain medical evaluations that outline the severity of your condition and the impact it has on your life.

VA Compensation for Veteran Firefighters

The VA recognizes the serious health conditions caused by PFAS. Approximately 455 military sites face PFAS contamination. The Department of Defense (DOD) prioritizes this issue and continues to investigate and issue reports, which are updated each fiscal year.

Health conditions arising from PFAS exposure include cancer, thyroid disease, fertility issues, and immune system disorders. Any service members with these conditions should report to the DOD or VA, or consider filing a lawsuit, so they can receive settlements and benefits and allow the departments to investigate military sites further.

Service members can do this by filing a claim for VA benefits. If successful, the VA offers disability compensation, health care, and other benefits. However, navigating VA benefits claims can be complicated and stressful. An attorney can help you with your claim and increase your chances of receiving these benefits.

Who Qualifies for VA Compensation Due to AFFF Exposure?

If you’re a veteran who was exposed to AFFF during your military service, for example, as a military firefighter, you may qualify for VA disability compensation. Eligibility criteria include evidence of exposure to the toxic substance and a medical diagnosis of cancer or another serious health condition linked to AFFF and PFAS exposure.

To quickly assess your eligibility for compensation, complete ConsumerShield’s survey here or on the eligibility page. The survey provides a step-by-step process to determine whether you qualify for compensation. Veterans exposed to AFFF are encouraged to act promptly to understand their rights and pursue potential claims.

VA Disability Ratings for AFFF Exposure

If you develop a serious illness while in the military, such as AFF foam cancer, you can file a claim for disability with the VA. The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of your condition. Disabled veterans typically receive a rating between 10%-100%, which determines how much compensation they may receive.

While conditions like kidney cancer or testicular cancer may receive a higher rating and benefit payments, less severe illnesses from AFF exposure typically result in lower ratings. However, the VA will also consider other factors in determining ratings and payouts for disability claims, such as how a health condition impacts your work and home life and whether you support dependents.

AFFF Exposure Lawsuits

In addition to VA claims, many victims of AFFF exposure file lawsuits. Many of the plaintiffs in these suits are civilian firefighters. However, Navy and Air Force firefighters are also among the claimants.

These lawsuits claim that AFFF manufacturers knew of the dangers of AFFF but continued selling and marketing it. Defendants include some of the largest corporations in the U.S., including:

• 3M Company
• Chemguard
• Tyco (brand name Ansul)
• DuPont
• National Foam

According to recent AFFF case updates, there are over 8,000 active cases against these manufacturers.

If you face health issues due to AFFF exposure, now is an excellent time to file for VA benefits and consider legal action. Your first step is hiring a skilled lawyer to help you navigate your VA benefits claim and see if you can receive compensation through an AFFF exposure lawsuit. Complete our online form to start your free case review.

Rising Trends in AFFF Lawsuits Over Time

Over recent years, the number of new AFFF cases has shown a consistent and significant upward trend. In 2022, filings were relatively low but peaked mid-year before dropping toward the end. In 2023, there was a noticeable rise, particularly in the first half, with consistent growth through the summer, culminating in a huge number of 959 cases in July. The most dramatic increase occurred in 2024, with filings reaching record highs during spring and summer. These trends suggest growing public awareness of AFFF risks and stronger legal momentum driving more individuals to pursue claims.