Veterans with ulcerative colitis: Filing PFAS exposure claims

Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects about 202 of every 100,000 U.S. veterans, according to the Veterans Affairs. Gastrointestinal disease diagnoses are high among military veterans, but ulcerative colitis, particularly, has been increasing in recent years.

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be debilitating; these include diarrhea, severe cramping, and blood in the stool. Military veterans who suffer from this condition can file VA disability claims to get the necessary treatment and support. However, there may be more legal options available. Recently, there has been new evidence that environmental exposures, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are associated with increased risk of ulcerative colitis; therefore, veterans can file PFAS exposure claims for ulcerative colitis.

Research finds that PFAS chemicals are associated with ulcerative colitis

Several studies have found a connection between PFAS exposure and gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis. The National Academies reported in 2022 that there was suggestive evidence of an increased risk of ulcerative colitis among adults. In particular, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the type of PFAS compound that was associated with ulcerative colitis.

Another study, published in Environmental Research, looked at PFOA levels in the blood of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) conditions. They found that PFOA levels in the blood were higher in patients with UC than in control subjects and patients with Crohn's disease.

If you developed ulcerative colitis after being exposed to PFAS on a military base contaminated by aqueous film-forming foam, you may have grounds to file a claim.

For military veterans: How to file PFAS exposure claims

If you are a veteran who was exposed to PFAS while you were serving on a contaminated military base, you have two legal options available. You can file VA claims for ulcerative colitis and file a PFAS exposure claim. You can file for both, and the monetary compensation you receive from one claim will not affect the other.

If you lived on a military base as a family member of military personnel, you may also file a PFAS exposure claim. PFAS exposure claims also apply to civilian residents who lived within one mile of a contaminated military base.

ELG Law can check your eligibility for claims. To start the filing process, you need to prepare the following documentary requirements:

• Military records, documenting your service history and exposure at a contaminated military base
• Medical records showing your diagnosis of ulcerative colitis after PFAS exposure

ELG Law can help you with PFAS exposure claims for ulcerative colitis

ELG Law has been helping victims of toxic exposure for decades. We extend legal assistance to military veterans, their family members, and nearby residents who lived within one mile of contaminated military bases. We review all documentary requirements and assess your eligibility. If eligible, our toxic exposure attorneys can file your PFAS exposure claim for ulcerative colitis while you focus on your treatment and recovery at home.