Because exposure to AFFF is responsible for many serious diseases, military firefighters often come to struggle with cancer, which might prevent them from performing daily activities.
For this reason, they might need the assistance of another person, usually a family member, to complete regular tasks.
Still, former military firefighters might be entitled to VA disability compensation if their disease is crippling. Furthermore, they might also be eligible for free of charge healthcare if their disease is service-connected. The VA assigns military firefighters a disability percentage from 10% to 100%, and the amount of compensation they will receive depends solely on it.
These are the payouts for all the VA disability ratings for military firefighters injured by AFFF exposure. It is important to note that they range depending on factors such as whether the veteran has any survivors or family members they have to support financially.
Military firefighters have a very difficult time claiming the disability compensation they deserve, as the VA does not recognize the connection between AFFF use on active duty and the diseases exposure to this fire suppressant can result in. In 2020, the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act was introduced by Representative Abigail Spanberger. The purpose of the bill is to establish presumptions of service connection for diseases associated with firefighting.
The bill was proposed after the death of Michael Lecik, a 41-year-old former U.S. Air Force firefighter who developed multiple myeloma in 2019 after frequent exposure to AFFF while in the military. Upon applying for VA disability compensation, his claim was rejected, and in 2021, he passed away. Exposure to PFAS, the chemicals in AFFF, has been scientifically proven to significantly increase the risk of multiple myeloma. Moreover, firefighters are also exposed to benzene and asbestos on the job, which only worsens the risk of multiple myeloma.
Nevertheless, if you are or were a military firefighter struggling with a disease related to AFFF exposure, we strongly encourage you to contact our expert team, and we will go to great lengths to help you obtain the VA disability compensation you are entitled to. Furthermore, we will also help you obtain financial compensation from the liable AFFF manufacturers whose products you used. With over 35 years of experience in evaluating toxic exposure and personal injury cases, Atraxia Law will fight for justice and help you obtain all the benefits you deserve for your unjust suffering.
If you are or were a military firefighter exposed to AFFF during active duty and now suffer from a disease, you should contact our team of professionals, as we have the necessary experience, skills, resources, and knowledge to help you determine whether you are eligible to file a claim. The process is simple and will mostly take place over the phone. Eligible firefighters will be put in touch with a reliable, specialized attorney.