By Michael Bartlett on May 06th, 2025 in PFAS/AFFF
Testicular cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting military personnel. Military firefighters with this condition can avail themselves of benefits and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Retired military firefighters with testicular cancer may receive medical services and monthly disability pay from the VA. The VA assigns disability ratings based on certain factors or evidence. The first step involves obtaining this rating assigned based on:
Under Diagnostic Code 7528, testicular cancer automatically qualifies for a 100% disability rating if it is active, and the ratings remain up to six months after the last treatment (surgery, X-ray, chemotherapy, or any other therapeutic procedure. The 100% disability rating could translate to a minimum of $3,737.85 in monthly disability pay.
After six months, the rating may change or stay the same, as veterans must undergo another medical exam to determine their prognosis. If there is no "local reoccurrence" of the cancer or metastasis, then the veteran will be rated according to residual symptoms, which could be voiding dysfunction, renal dysfunction, or other residuals like scars or mental health conditions caused by the disease or treatment.
Studies have shown that testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in the military. According to research published in the journal Military Medicine, the incidence rates of testicular cancer among male military members are higher than those in the general population. High cancer incidence among military members and firefighters may be due to their high exposure to radiation and chemical exposure. These toxic chemicals include PFAS in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).
A recently published study found a link between PFAS exposure and testicular cancer in U.S. Air Force service members. Military firefighters who worked with AFFF during their service are at especially high risk of exposure to these chemicals, as they have been directly exposed to AFFF in training and responding to fires.
Testicular cancer usually begins as a growth of cells or a tumor on the testicles. Unlike other types of cancer, it has a high survival rate, reaching as high as 90% with early detection and the proper treatment plans. Possible treatment options include:
If you are a veteran military firefighter who developed�testicular cancer due to PFAS exposure that may be connected to AFFF exposure in the military, you can file a claim with the VA. Our team of lawyers can evaluate your case and check if it is eligible.