Exposure Statements

The following are examples of how you may have been exposed to various toxins or chemicals in service:

Exposure to Agent Orange or Other Defoliants (Vietnam Era)

"I served in Vietnam and was stationed in areas where Agent Orange and other herbicides were used extensively. I was regularly in environments where these chemicals were sprayed, and there was no protective equipment provided at the time. We often walked through recently treated areas, and I believe my skin came into direct contact with the herbicides."

Combat Zone Exposure

"During my deployment in [location], I was exposed to burn pits almost daily. These pits burned various types of waste, including plastics, chemicals, medical waste, and human waste. I worked in close proximity to the burn pits for [number of months/years], often without any respiratory protection. The fumes were thick, and I experienced frequent coughing, difficulty breathing, and headaches during that time."

Exposure Statements

The following are examples of how you may have been exposed to various toxins or chemicals in service:

Exposure to Agent Orange or Other Defoliants (Vietnam Era)

Combat Zone Exposure

Through My Job in Service (i.e. Mechanic, Engineer, Firefighter)

"As a mechanic, I worked with various fuels, solvents, and heavy metals like lead and asbestos. I was frequently exposed to diesel fuel, hydraulic fluids, and degreasers without adequate ventilation. I handled these materials almost daily for [number of years], sometimes without proper protective gear, especially early in my career. I now experience respiratory issues and skin irritation that I believe are related to this prolonged exposure."

"As a military firefighter, I was exposed to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which contains PFAS (forever chemicals), during training exercises and emergency responses. I handled the foam regularly for [number of years] with minimal protective equipment, particularly during training. We used this foam to suppress fires, and I was often covered in it during the exercises."

Chemical Weapons Exposure (i.e. Gulf War)

"During my deployment in the Gulf War, I was in areas where chemical weapons were detonated. We were exposed to nerve agents, including sarin gas, during certain operations. The alarms for chemical weapons exposure would go off multiple times, and while we had protective gear, it wasn’t always adequate, and there were instances of malfunctioning equipment."

Exposure from Water Contamination (i.e. Camp Lejeune)

"While stationed at Camp Lejeune from [year] to [year], I drank and bathed in contaminated water. The water supply was later found to contain industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals linked to serious health conditions. I was unaware of the contamination at the time and consumed the water daily for [duration]. I believe my current health conditions are related to this prolonged exposure.

Exposure to Radiation (i.e. Nuclear Test Sites)

"I participated in operations near nuclear test sites or handled radioactive materials during my service. I was exposed to low levels of radiation over an extended period, though at the time, I was not aware of the full extent of the exposure. I now suffer from [health condition], which I believe is linked to this exposure."

Indirect or Limited Exposure

"While I wasn’t directly involved in handling toxic materials, I was stationed near industrial sites that emitted fumes and pollutants, which I believe I was exposed to through the air. I also occasionally worked near burn pits during my deployment, but not as frequently as some others in my unit."