VA weighs whether so-called forever chemicals have connection to kidney cancer

Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs will study a potential relationship between so-called "forever chemicals" and kidney cancer among veterans.

If the VA study links kidney cancer to exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, the VA would include them among conditions for which veterans and their qualifying family members automatically obtain benefits when diagnosed with kidney cancer.

PFAS chemicals also are called "forever chemicals" because it takes hundreds of years for them to break down.

The substances commonly are found in plastics, including food packaging, and can leach into packaged foods.

They also are contained within firefighting foam commonly used to put out jet fuel fires at Air Force bases and on aircraft carriers.

"We want to understand the health conditions that veterans are living with so we can provide them with all of the benefits they deserve," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said. That's what this review process is all about."

If the scientific review indicates exposure to PFAS is connected to the onset of kidney cancer, veterans and their family members won't be required to prove military service caused the condition.

Federal law requires the VA to automatically provide benefits for veterans and their qualifying family members when diagnosed with health conditions commonly associated with exposure to certain toxic substances while in the military or when staying at military facilities.

Veterans and their family members who are diagnosed with kidney cancer can apply for VA benefits now.

If the VA declares kidney cancer to be a presumptive condition caused by exposure to PFAS, the burden of proof for those with kidney cancer will be much lower.

"Veterans should not wait for the outcome of this review to apply for the benefits and care they deserve," McDonough said. "If you're a veteran and believe your military service has negatively impacted your health, we encourage you to apply for VA care and benefits today."

PFAS are a class of more than 12,000 chemicals and have been used by the military since the early 1970s.

The VA will assess claims on an individual basis, but the claims-approval process will be much faster and easier if kidney cancer is made a presumptive condition due to PFAS exposure.