George Air Force Base Toxic Exposure

Veterans who served at George Air Force Base and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits. This article explains more about George Air Force Base contamination and how affected veterans can qualify for a VA rating.

In 1990, a government agency identified George Air Force Base in California as one of the most contaminated places in the nation. Officials have since worked to clean up the base, but veterans who were stationed there may have been exposed to dangerous toxins that led to serious health problems. If you were diagnosed with a condition you believe is related to contaminants you were exposed to at George AFB, you’ll want to understand what VA disability benefits you may be eligible for.

History of George Air Force Base

George Air Force Base in Victorville, California, opened in 1941 as Victorville Army Air Field to train pilots and bombardiers. After World War II, flights out of the airfield stopped and the base became a storage facility for surplus aircraft. It was reactivated in 1950 after the start of the Korean War and was renamed George Air Force Base to honor Brigadier General Harold H. George.

In 1992, the base was officially closed as part of the Base Realignment and Closure initiative. The airfield is now part of the city of Victorville’s Southern California Logistics Airport. 

George Air Force Base contamination and health effects

In 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified the base as a hazardous waste site under the Superfund program. The program determines the most contaminated places in the nation and focuses funds and efforts on cleanup.

Unfortunately, anyone stationed on the base may have been exposed to a number of contaminants, which were found in both the groundwater and soil. Below we list toxins found on base and the health effects they can cause.

Groundwater contaminants

A primary concern at George Air Force Base is groundwater contaminants. This contamination comes from improper disposal of hazardous chemicals used in operations such as aircraft maintenance and fueling and firefighting training. 

Groundwater contaminants found at the site include: 

• Jet fuel: Long-term exposure can cause neurological effects, respiratory issues, liver or kidney damage, reproductive issues, and even some cancers.

• Pesticides: Exposure can lead to different adverse health effects depending on the type of pesticide. For example, some pesticides can affect the nervous system, hormone, or endocrine system, while others may cause cancer.

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): This is a solvent used for degreasing and cleaning metal parts. It has been linked to the development of cancer, as well as neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune system disorders.

• Nitrates: These chemicals are used in water treatment, and overexposure can cause reproductive issues and cancer.

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment, PFAS are used to make things like paints, non-stick cookware, and firefighting foam. Exposure to and buildup of these chemicals can result in health issues including reproductive problems, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of cancers.

You can find specific levels of PFAS found on base here. Use the search bar to find Victorville, California and then click on the purple dot over George AFB. 

Soil contaminants

The EPA also found various toxic chemicals in the soil at George Air Force Base. This contamination also results from the improper disposal of hazardous chemicals.

Soil contaminants found at the site include:

• Asbestos, which was used in the construction of old buildings. People exposed to asbestos breathe in fibers from the toxic material. The fibers can build up, causing health issues including a rare type of cancer in the chest and abdomen called mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can also cause asbestosis, an inflammatory lung condition, and lung cancer.

• Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), which are chemical compounds from crude oil that can cause cancer and other health issues, some of which may not fully be known and are still being researched.

• Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), which are organic chemicals that can cause health issues including respiratory and neurological issues and cancer.

A full list of George Air Force Base contaminants can be found here.

By the time it closed in 1992, George Air Force Base contamination had already begun to impact local water sources and surrounding communities. Despite the EPA’s efforts to clean up the site, concerns remain about the long-term risks associated with the base. Despite these concerns, lawsuits seeking damages for health issues believed to be related to the air force base have been unsuccessful.

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George Air Force Base disability claims

If you are a veteran who served at George Air Force Base and believe you were exposed to a toxin that led to your disability, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits.

The VA does not automatically recognize any specific health conditions linked to service at George Air Force Base. However, this doesn’t mean you’re ineligible for VA disability benefits if you were stationed there and later developed a condition related to toxic exposure. To qualify, you must first establish a service connection.

This requires providing a medical nexus, which is a professional medical opinion linking your condition to your military service. Additional evidence, such as military records and lay statements, can further strengthen your claim and help demonstrate a connection.

Since proving toxic exposure at George Air Force Base can be complex, you may benefit from working with an accredited VA disability attorney who can guide you through the claims process and help you build a strong case.

How Woods & Woods can help

Woods & Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.

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