Introduction

Veterans who served at military bases contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be at risk for severe health conditions, including various cancers, thyroid disease, and immune system dysfunction. Many veterans seeking VA disability benefits for PFAS-related illnesses often ask whether the VA provides blood testing for PFAS exposure and how such tests can support their disability claims.

This guide outlines how veterans can request a PFAS blood test through the VA, alternative options if testing is unavailable, and how to use test results as evidence in a VA disability claim.

Does the VA Offer PFAS Blood Testing?

As of now, PFAS blood testing is not routinely offered by VA medical centers as part of standard care. However, the VA has acknowledged the health risks of PFAS exposure and has conducted studies assessing contamination at military bases.

The Department of Defense (DoD) offers PFAS blood testing to current (active duty) military firefighters during their annual occupational medicine examinations and to newly hired firefighters in accordance with DoD policy. Currently, this does not extend to other military occupational specialties.

So, on the one hand, the DoD acknowledges that there is a medical necessity to test military firefighters’ blood PFAS levels. But on the other hand, they do not offer standard blood testing to other occupational specialties or discharged veterans, despite acknowledging that all military servicemembers were exposed to high levels of PFAS through contaminated base drinking water.

So, if you’re a military veteran who is registered with the VA, here’s what you need to know:

  • The VA does not currently offer PFAS blood tests as part of routine medical screening or disability evaluations.
  • However, veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can request a PFAS exposure assessment, and in some cases, a VA provider may order a PFAS test if “medically necessary”. This may be defined differently from one provider to another, but generally speaking, former military firefighters may fall into this category or anyone diagnosed with certain cancers or medical conditions that have been connected to PFAS exposure.
  • The VA is studying PFAS exposure through ongoing research, and future policy changes could expand access to testing.
  • Veterans experiencing symptoms of a PFAS-related condition should request a full toxicology screening and medical evaluation at their VA facility.

Steps to Request a PFAS Blood Test at the VA

  1. Contact Your VA Primary Care Provider – Schedule an appointment and express your concerns about PFAS exposure.
  2. Provide Military Service Records – If you were stationed at a known PFAS-contaminated base, bring documentation to support your request. An officer records brief (ORB) or ERB (enlisted records brief) will list all of your duty stations and dates of assignments, including TDY assignments.
  3. Explain Your Symptoms – If you have a PFAS-related illness (e.g., kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, immune dysfunction), emphasize your health concerns.
  4. Ask for a Toxic Exposure Screening – While the VA does not routinely offer PFAS testing, toxic exposure screenings can help determine if further testing is needed.
  5. Request a Referral – Some VA medical centers may be able to refer veterans to external labs for testing.
how to get a pfas blood test va

If the VA denies your request or you are still on active duty and are being denied a PFAS blood test, alternative testing options are available.

Alternative PFAS Blood Testing Options for Veterans

If the VA does not provide PFAS testing, veterans and active duty servicemembers can seek testing through legal action, private labs, universities, and public health programs.

Here are the best options:

1. Take Legal Action

If you were ever diagnosed with any of the following conditions, you can sign up for free representation in the AFFF lawsuit through PFAS Water Experts’ advocacy team.

  • Kidney cancer

  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis

Once registered, PWE’s robust team of PFAS medical and legal experts will schedule a PFAS blood test and do the heavy lifting of proving your medical condition is tied to PFAS exposure during your military service. These records can then be used to prove your service connection to receive VA disability, all at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Additionally, as the AFFF lawsuit unfolds, you may receive significant compensation as part of the settlement agreement if the courts end up ruling in favor of the plaintiffs, which would not affect any VA disability or other disability benefits that you may be receiving.

2. Private Laboratories

Many private labs offer PFAS blood testing, though costs vary.

  • Eurofins Environment Testing – One of the leading PFAS blood testing providers.
  • NMS Labs – Offers PFAS screening for individuals concerned about exposure.
  • Vista Analytical Laboratory – Provides specialized PFAS blood testing for many different PFAS chemicals.

Costs: Private laboratory PFAS blood tests typically range from $300 to $600, and insurance may not cover testing.

3. At-Home PFAS Blood Testing Kits

Some companies offer PFAS testing kits that allow veterans to collect a blood sample at home and send it to a lab for analysis.

  • My PFAS Test Kit and Quest Health provide at-home options.

Costs: In-home PFAS blood testing services range from $79 to $500, depending on the number of PFAS chemicals tested.

4. State and Local Health Departments

Certain states with known PFAS contamination offer free or subsidized PFAS blood tests to impacted residents.

  • Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania have conducted public PFAS blood testing programs for communities near contaminated military sites.
  • Veterans living in PFAS-contaminated areas should check with state environmental or health departments for free testing availability.

5. University Research Studies

Some universities conduct PFAS exposure studies and may offer free or low-cost blood testing for participants.

  • Harvard University, University of California, and Emory University have conducted studies on PFAS health effects.
  • Veterans may qualify for these studies by enrolling in research on PFAS-exposed populations.

How to Use PFAS Blood Test Results for a VA Disability Claim

PFAS blood test results are a critical piece of evidence in a VA disability claim, especially for veterans diagnosed with PFAS-related illnesses.

Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Establishing Exposure to PFAS

  • If your PFAS blood levels are high, it supports the argument that you were exposed to toxic chemicals during your military service.
  • Submit your test results along with military records that confirm your assignment at a contaminated base(s).

2. Linking PFAS Exposure to a Medical Condition

  • A PFAS test alone does not prove a service-connected illness, but when combined with medical evidence, it strengthens your case.
  • Provide medical documentation from your VA or private doctor linking PFAS exposure to your diagnosis (e.g., kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, etc.).

3. Supporting a Claim for Toxic Exposure Benefits

  • If PFAS-related illnesses become presumptive conditions under VA disability law, having documented PFAS exposure could fast-track a veteran’s claim.
  • The VA is currently reviewing scientific data to determine whether more PFAS-related illnesses should be added to its presumptive list.

4. Using PFAS Test Results in an Appeal

  • If the VA denies your disability claim, a PFAS blood test can provide additional evidence in an appeal or re-evaluation request.
  • Submit the PFAS test results along with new medical opinions linking exposure to your condition.

Future VA Policy Changes on PFAS Testing

  • The VA is considering expanding toxic exposure screenings under the PACT Act, which may include PFAS testing in the future.
  • Legislation is being proposed that would require the VA to conduct PFAS blood testing for exposed veterans.
  • Veterans advocacy groups are pushing for automatic VA health monitoring for those stationed at PFAS-contaminated bases.

While the VA does not currently offer routine PFAS blood testing, veterans concerned about exposure have options through legal action, private labs, public health studies, and university research programs.

PFAS blood test results can serve as evidence in a VA disability claim but must be combined with medical documentation proving a service-related illness.

As research on PFAS exposure continues, new VA policies may expand testing and benefits for veterans affected by these toxic chemicals.

Whether through the VA, private laboratory, or through legal representation, veterans seeking compensation for PFAS-related conditions should get a PFAS blood test as soon as possible, as it is the only way to prove a link between your illness and PFAS exposure. By being proactive, veterans can ensure they receive the care and benefits they deserve.

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