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Fort Ord, CA

United States Base 📅 1951-1994

What Happened Here

EPA Superfund site. Contaminated groundwater with TCE and benzene. PFAS from firefighting foam. Herbicides with dioxins used in Poison Oak Control Program. Burn pits, landfills, and firing range contamination.

Known Exposures

Water Contamination PFAS Dioxin/Herbicides Lead Burn Pits
Water Contamination
TCE and benzene contaminated groundwater at Fort Ord.
Source: EPA Superfund
PFAS
Firefighting foam use created PFAS contamination concerns.
Source: EPA Superfund / DoD
Dioxin/Herbicides
Herbicide use in the Poison Oak Control Program created dioxin concerns.
Source: EPA Superfund / Veteran Reporting
Lead
Firing ranges and legacy contamination created lead exposure concerns.
Source: EPA Superfund
Burn Pits
Historical waste burning and landfill activity created smoke and airborne exposure concerns.
Source: EPA Superfund / Veteran Reporting

⚠️ Associated Conditions

Additional evidence may be needed

These 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
⚠️ Immune disorders Documented exposure concern, but not currently presumptive.
⚠️ Respiratory illness Documented exposure concern, but not currently presumptive.
⚠️ Thyroid disease Documented exposure concern, but not currently presumptive.
⚠️ Various cancers (kidney, liver, blood) Documented exposure concern, but not currently presumptive.

What This Means For Your Claim

✅ Presumptive Conditions

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.).

⚠️ Associated Conditions

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 Fort Ord, CA?

If you served here during the qualifying dates, you may be eligible for benefits.