Kidney cancer is among the most prevalent conditions affecting veterans. Compared to the rest of the population, military members are 5 to 6 times more likely to get renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer.
The causes behind kidney cancers remain unknown, but factors related to lifestyle (smoking, obesity, liquor consumption) and heredity (family history, genetic conditions) can contribute to an increased risk.
Lately, scientists have also uncovered suggestive evidence linking higher chances of developing kidney cancer to exposure to toxins such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
Army bases and other military installations have been cited as among the largest sources of PFAS contamination, making military personnel (whether active or retired), their family members, and residents living within a mile vulnerable to health issues tied to PFAS exposure, including kidney cancer. Currently, there are no studies yet specifically investigating the connection between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer on military bases, which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks to address. The VA wants to find out if kidney cancer, as a result of PFAS exposure, can be considered a presumptive condition.
In 2024, the VA announced that it would conduct a scientific review to determine the connection between exposure to PFAS during military service and kidney cancer. The VA has yet to release the results, but these will help them decide if kidney cancer tied to PFAS exposure can be considered a presumptive condition under the PACT Act of 2022. If they do, this would ease the burden of proof for exposed veterans and their family members when filing for VA claims and benefits, as it automatically links the disease to military service. Presently, more than 20 diseases and other health conditions have presumptive benefits covered by the PACT Act.
Like any scientific process, the VA's research on the connection between kidney cancer and PFAS exposure will take time and effort. Here's an overview of how it's done.
The VA has also encouraged veterans, concerned individuals, and groups to share their insights and opinions to help their research further. Public participation is usually done through the following:
According to the VA, approximately 7.7% of veterans are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, including cancer. As the VA continues to do its own scientific review on the effects of PFAS exposure on kidney health among veterans, it is important to note the mounting evidence connecting PFAS exposure to a higher risk of developing kidney cancer. This includes a study from the Journal of National Cancer Institute further confirming that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS, is a renal carcinogen. Simply put, this particular PFAS compound, commonly found in AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) and what contaminated military bases, can cause kidney cancer.
When filing for VA claims, the process can sometimes be tedious and complex. That's why we're here to support you. For more than 35 years, Atraxia Law has been helping veterans and their loved ones submit their claims and secure the compensation they deserve. This support can make a real difference in accessing treatment and making progress on the road to recovery. Reach out to any member of our expert team for a case evaluation, and let us guide you through the process.