Understanding the Toxic History of Fort McClellan
Hey folks, Dale Davidson here, the Dear VA Guy. Today I want to talk about something that affects far too many of our nation’s heroes — toxic exposure at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. If you served there, or even if you were stationed at another base, this one’s for you.
Let’s start with some background. Fort McClellan was once a key U.S. Army training installation that hosted the Army Chemical Corps School, the Military Police Corps, and countless service members over several decades. Unfortunately, that same training that made our military stronger also left behind a toxic legacy that continues to harm veterans today. The area surrounding Fort McClellan—including parts of Anniston—became heavily contaminated with PCBs, chemical warfare agents, radiological materials, and what we now call “forever chemicals” (PFAS).
And here’s the kicker: even though Fort McClellan is known to be a toxic waste site, the VA currently does not recognize any “presumptive conditions” for veterans who served there. That means if you got sick after serving at McClellan, you don’t automatically qualify for benefits—you have to prove your exposure, your illness, and the link between the two.
What Veterans Were Exposed to at Fort McClellan
Let’s dig into what exactly made Fort McClellan such a dangerous place.
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) were a major issue. These were industrial chemicals used in everything from transformers to paints and sealants. Monsanto, one of the biggest chemical producers, manufactured tons of PCB products right in Anniston. When the company was forced to stop production in the 1970s, the contamination was already widespread. The soil and groundwater around Fort McClellan are still considered hazardous today.
PCBs are linked to some serious health conditions, including liver toxicity, thyroid disorders, immune suppression, liver and bile tract cancers, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and melanoma. So, if you’ve experienced any of those conditions and served at Fort McClellan, you could be looking at a service connection that just hasn’t been properly documented yet.
And PCBs weren’t the only concern. Because the Army Chemical Corps trained there, service members were also exposed to chemical warfare agents like mustard gas and arsenic-based decontamination chemicals. Those exposures can lead to chronic respiratory issues, DNA damage, neurological disorders, and various types of cancer.
Then there’s radiological material exposure. Fort McClellan hosted radiological training using isotopes like cobalt. Even small doses, over time, can lead to thyroid cancer, leukemia, bone and lung cancers, and even heart disease.
And don’t forget about PFAS, those “forever chemicals” found in firefighting foams and water repellents. These chemicals resist breaking down and build up in the body over time. The soil and groundwater around Fort McClellan still contain PFAS, which are linked to kidney cancer, liver disease, immune system suppression, thyroid dysfunction, and reproductive issues.
How to Build a Strong Claim for Fort McClellan Exposure
Now, here’s where it gets real. Because Fort McClellan isn’t on a presumptive exposure list, veterans who served there have to do a little more legwork to get their benefits. But don’t lose hope—it’s possible.
You’ll need to document your service history thoroughly. Write down your dates of service, unit assignments, and any training or duties that could have involved chemical, radiological, or environmental exposure. The more specific, the better. If you remember bivouacking in contaminated areas, drinking treated groundwater, or being near training zones where chemical agents were used, include that in your statement.
Next, get a full medical evaluation—not just your routine blood panel. Ask your doctor to test for PCB, PFAS, and heavy metal exposure specifically. There are specialized blood and urine tests available now that can detect traces of these toxins in your system.
Then, gather your service and medical records from the VA and the National Archives. Request everything—they’re your evidence. Once you have your records and test results, work with your representative or attorney to file a detailed VA claim that clearly links your condition to your service at Fort McClellan.
Also, ask to be included in the ongoing Fort McClellan exposure studies. The more data we have, the better chance we have of getting Fort McClellan recognized on a presumptive list down the road.
Why Every Veteran Should Become an Advocate
Remember Erin Brockovich? She helped expose corporate pollution that made an entire town sick. Well, we need more “Erin Brockoviches” in the veteran community—people willing to speak up and push for justice.
We need health registries for Fort McClellan and every other contaminated military base. We need Congress and the VA to recognize the thousands of veterans who are suffering from exposure-related illnesses but can’t access benefits because there’s no presumptive list yet.
I have clients who’ve been denied again and again simply because Fort McClellan isn’t on that list. But we’re not giving up—and neither should you. Persistent documentation and advocacy are the only ways we’ll bridge the gap between what we know and what the VA recognizes.
Moving Forward After Fort McClellan
If you served at Fort McClellan and believe your health has been impacted, please don’t assume you’re out of luck. You can still file a claim—it just takes strong evidence and persistence. Connect your exposure to your illness through medical documentation. Be thorough, be patient, and keep pushing.
As new research emerges and more veterans share their stories, the VA’s position may change. Someday, we might see Fort McClellan officially added to the list of presumptive toxic exposure sites. Until then, it’s up to us to keep the pressure on and make sure every veteran’s voice is heard.
Look, I love my veterans and their families. You’ve sacrificed so much, and you deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. The toxic history of Fort McClellan is undeniable—but with persistence, education, and advocacy, we can make sure it’s not forgotten.
Stay strong, stay informed, and as always—thank you for your service.
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