By Michael Bartlett on February 23rd, 2026 in PFAS/AFFF
The VA has begun a scientific assessment on kidney cancer and its connection to PFAS. This assessment is part of a formal process of establishing a presumptive condition for PFAS. As federal research is ongoing, military firefighters diagnosed with thyroid cancer still need to show proof that their condition is connected to their military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has acknowledged that aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing toxic “forever chemicals” has been widely used on military sites. Military firefighters assigned to air bases, training academies, and other AFFF-containing locations may be subjected to long-term health problems after exposure to this carcinogenic chemical known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Despite an acknowledgment from the VA, military firefighters are still going through a rigorous process to claim disability benefits for PFAS-related cancers.
Under the PACT Act, the VA has established presumptive conditions for chemical exposures like Agent Orange, but there are no such presumptions for PFAS or AFFF exposure. The VA does not automatically connect a veteran firefighter’s thyroid cancer to their military service. If you are applying for disability benefits, you need to establish a connection between your condition and your exposure in service. This includes preparing the following:
Another burden faced by veterans in healthcare access is the lack of PFAS testing available at VA medical centers. However, the VA claims it is reevaluating its blood-testing options based on federal research.
To establish a presumptive condition for any disease, the VA follows a decision-making process under the PACT Act, where an interagency panel reviews existing claims and published scientific studies. The VA has been reviewing scientific evidence of the connection between kidney cancer and PFAS exposure during military service, as part of a formal process for establishing a presumption. Assessments for other diseases, like thyroid cancer, may be made in the future if the National Academies produce a report that shows strong evidence of association between PFAS and thyroid cancer.
Meanwhile, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is currently leading a multi-site health study in at least seven locations in the United States to examine the health effects of PFAS exposure. According to the VA, former military bases are included in this investigation. Lastly, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is currently studying the effects of PFAS exposure on the health of firefighters and other occupations with high exposure. The results of these federal research projects may be included in a National Academies report in the future, which would eventually be part of any scientific assessment for presumption.
While federal research is ongoing, military firefighters currently have several options available to claim monetary compensation after a thyroid cancer diagnosis. Military firefighters can apply for VA disability claims and provide proof that their thyroid cancer is connected to their military service. Additionally, firefighters can also file an AFFF claim against manufacturers if they have proof of exposure to AFFF and a thyroid cancer diagnosis. ELG Law can help you file a claim, and we only need to evaluate two requirements to check if you’re eligible: your military records and your medical documents.