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NAF Atsugi, Japan

Pacific Base 📅 1985-2001

What Happened Here

Off-base Shinkampo Incinerator Complex burned industrial and medical waste, releasing dioxins, particulates, VOCs, and furans onto the base. PFAS contamination from AFFF firefighting foam leaks (2009-2016).

Known Exposures

Incinerator Emissions PFAS
Incinerator Emissions
Dioxins, furans, particulates, and VOCs from the Shinkampo incinerator affected the base.
Source: DoD / Veteran Reporting
PFAS
AFFF firefighting foam leaks created PFAS contamination concerns.
Source: DoD / Environmental Reporting

✅ Presumptive Conditions

No nexus letter needed!

These conditions are presumptive — the VA assumes they are connected to your service at this location. You only need to prove you were there during the qualifying dates.

Condition Diagnostic Code Notes
✅ Asthma DC 6602 VA recognizes qualifying chronic asthma claims tied to this exposure scenario when criteria are met.
✅ Rhinitis DC 6522 Must generally manifest within 10 years of separation for the presumptive path described.
✅ Sinusitis DC 6510 Must generally manifest within 10 years of separation for the presumptive path described.

⚠️ 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
⚠️ Respiratory illness — Associated condition; additional medical evidence is usually required.
⚠️ Various cancers (leukemia, brain, breast, lymphoma) — Associated condition; not broadly 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 NAF Atsugi, Japan?

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

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