Recognized but not presumptive exposures
Some bases had real, documented hazards, yet VA has not made them presumptive. You can still win these claims. The difference is that you have to show your own exposure with records and a medical opinion, rather than relying on a presumption.
Presumptive means VA assumes the link once you show qualifying service and a covered condition. The sites below are different. VA recognizes the hazard but decides each claim on its own evidence, so the path runs through your service records, the exposure registries, and a nexus opinion.
Fort McClellan, Alabama
About 1935 to 1999Veterans stationed here may have encountered airborne radiological materials and chemical warfare agents handled by the Army Chemical Corps School, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a nearby industrial plant, and chemical agent resistant coating (CARC) paint. The base closed in 1999.
Why it is not presumptive: VA acknowledges the exposures and ran a Fort McClellan Health Registry, but there is no blanket presumption. Claims are decided on the evidence of your own duties and exposure.
VA Public Health, Fort McClellanNaval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan
1985 to 2001The Shinkampo (Jinkanpo) Incinerator Complex next to the base burned up to 90 tons of industrial and medical waste a day, releasing particulate matter and combustion byproducts. The incinerator closed in May 2001.
Why it is not presumptive: VA recognizes the exposure but it is not presumptive. A claim relies on records placing you at Atsugi during the window and a medical link to your condition.
VA Public Health, Atsugi waste incineratorHerbicide tests and storage sites (case by case)
These are sites where tactical herbicides were tested, stored, or disposed of outside Vietnam. They are NOT blanket presumptive. VA decides exposure from records of your specific duties. This is a representative selection; open the VA links below for the full Department of War list.
Eglin Air Force Base, Florida1962 to 1970
Test Area C-52A was used for aerial spray equipment trials with tactical herbicides. Documented duties at the test range are the key evidence.
Fort Detrick, Maryland1943 to 1970s
Herbicide research and development site. Exposure depends on your specific assignment and role.
Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi1968 to 1977
Stored drums of Agent Orange before they were shipped for disposal. Storage and handling duties matter for a claim.
Fort Gordon, Georgia1967
Tactical herbicide testing on a defined test plot. Records tying you to the test are central.
Gerstle River and Fort Greely, Alaska1966 to 1967
Cold weather defoliation testing of tactical herbicides at Army test sites.
Kauai, Hawaii (Kauai Branch Station)1967 to 1968
Tested tactical herbicides on a research plot. Duty records establish whether you were present and exposed.
Dugway Proving Ground, Utah1951 to 1969
Multiple herbicide and defoliant trials. Exposure is assessed from your role at the proving ground.
Fort Drum, New York1959
Aerial spray tests of defoliants. A short, documented window, so records that place you there are decisive.
Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada1966 to 1967
United States tested tactical herbicides at this Canadian base. Service there during the test window can support a claim.
Bushnell Army Air Field area and other overseas test sites1940s to 1960s
The list includes scattered overseas storage and test points. Check the VA list for the exact site and dates that match your service.
Build a claim without a presumption
- 1Place yourself at the site. Pull service records, unit assignments, orders, and performance evaluations that show the base and your dates there.
- 2Gather the exposure paper trail. Request your POEMS summaries and your Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER), and save VA's fact sheet for the site.
- 3Connect the dots with a nexus. A medical opinion that links your current condition to the documented exposure is what carries a claim that is not presumptive.
- 4Consider an accredited representative. These evidence based claims are where a VSO, claims agent, or attorney earns their keep.