Naval Station Great Lakes, IL
What Happened Here
Naval Station Great Lakes (Illinois) is the Navy's sole boot camp. Older recruit training barracks and instructional buildings contained asbestos in pipe insulation, boiler rooms, and floor tile through the 1980s.
Known Exposures
⚠️ Associated Conditions
Additional evidence may be neededThese conditions are associated with exposure at this location but are not currently VA presumptive. You may still qualify, but will need additional medical evidence and possibly a nexus letter.
| Condition | Diagnostic Code | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚠️ | Asbestosis | DC 6833 | Asbestos exposure documented at this site. Service connection requires medical nexus tying asbestosis diagnosis to documented occupational/locational exposure. |
| ⚠️ | Mesothelioma (Neoplasms, malignant) | DC 6819 | Mesothelioma latency 20-60 years post-exposure. Pulmonologist or oncologist nexus letter recommended. |
| ⚠️ | Pleural plaques / fibrosis | DC 6845 | Imaging-based diagnosis of pleural plaques is direct evidence of prior asbestos exposure. |
What This Means For Your Claim
You only need to prove you were at this location during the qualifying dates. No nexus letter needed. The VA presumes the condition is connected to your service. File directly and cite the applicable presumptive authority (PACT Act, Camp Lejeune Justice Act, etc.).
You may still qualify, but you will likely need additional evidence — a nexus letter from a medical provider, treatment records, and documentation of your exposure. A VSO or VA-accredited attorney can help build the strongest case.
Were you at Naval Station Great Lakes, IL?
If you served here during the qualifying dates, you may be eligible for benefits.