For decades, Fort McClellan, a now-closed U.S. Army base in Alabama, was home to training facilities for chemical warfare and military police units. But what many didn’t know is that those who served or lived there may have been exposed to a dangerous mix of toxic chemicals, including Agent Orange, radioactive compounds, PCBs, and heavy metals.
In 2025, growing legal and legislative pressure is giving veterans and families a clearer path to pursue disability compensation and legal claims for Fort McClellan toxic exposure. If you spent time at the base between 1935 and 1999, here’s what you need to know to protect your health and legal rights.
What Happened at Fort McClellan?
Fort McClellan operated from 1917 until its closure in 1999. It was the home of:
- Chemical Corps School
- Military Police Corps School
- Women’s Army Corps
- Army National Guard and Reserve training
The base was also adjacent to a Monsanto chemical plant, which produced PCBs—now banned substances linked to cancer and reproductive harm.
Toxins found on or near the base include:
- Agent Orange and other herbicides
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Ionizing radiation sources
- Heavy metals like lead and arsenic
- Perchlorate (a rocket fuel ingredient affecting thyroid function)
- Solvents and contaminated groundwater
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled the surrounding area a Superfund cleanup site due to the extent of contamination.
Who May Have Been Exposed?
You may have been exposed if you were:
- Stationed at Fort McClellan between 1935 and 1999
- A military police trainee, chemical corps member, or WAC unit
- A civilian employee, dependent, or local resident
- A visitor or contractor regularly on base
The exposure may have come through:
- Contaminated drinking water
- Soil contact
- Airborne pollutants from testing or incineration
- Physical contact with chemical agents during training
What Health Issues Are Linked to Exposure?
Veterans and civilians who lived or trained at Fort McClellan report a wide range of health conditions, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Liver and kidney disease
- Infertility and reproductive problems
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Autoimmune disorders
- Neurological damage
- Various cancers (bladder, brain, prostate, lung, etc.)
While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not yet recognize a presumptive list for Fort McClellan, many illnesses resemble those linked to burn pit exposure or Camp Lejeune contamination.
What Legal Options Do You Have?
There are two primary legal pathways for victims of Fort McClellan exposure:
1. VA Disability Claims for Service-Connected Conditions
You can file a claim for service-connected disability compensation if you:
- Served at Fort McClellan
- Have a diagnosed illness
- Can provide medical evidence linking the illness to toxic exposure
- Were not dishonorably discharged
Because Fort McClellan doesn’t have a presumptive designation yet, your claim must include strong medical nexus evidence. This can be a doctor’s letter stating that your condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by your service.
Supporting evidence may include:
- Military orders or records proving you were on base
- Scientific studies about toxins at Fort McClellan
- Lay statements from others stationed with you
- VA medical records or private physician evaluations
2. Civil Lawsuits or Legislative Relief (Ongoing)
As of 2025, Fort McClellan does not have a dedicated federal claims fund like Camp Lejeune, but advocacy groups are lobbying for it.
That said, some attorneys are exploring toxic tort claims for veterans and families impacted by:
- PCB exposure from Monsanto
- Water contamination and environmental negligence
- Mismanagement of hazardous substances by the U.S. military
Lawsuits would likely target third-party chemical companies or be built on environmental justice statutes. While complex, these cases may gain momentum if legislation like the Fort McClellan Health Registry Act is passed.
How to File a VA Toxic Exposure Claim for Fort McClellan
Step 1: Collect Your Service Records
Your DD-214 and other personnel documents must show that you were assigned to Fort McClellan during your military service.
Step 2: Get a Medical Diagnosis
You’ll need an official diagnosis from a VA or private doctor that outlines the nature and severity of your condition.
Step 3: Ask Your Doctor for a Medical Nexus Letter
This statement connects your illness to your military service and toxic exposure. A strong nexus letter is critical for non-presumptive claims.
Step 4: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ
Apply online at VA.gov or get help from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
Step 5: Attend a Compensation & Pension Exam (C&P Exam)
VA may schedule an exam to evaluate your disability. Be honest and detailed about your symptoms and service experience.
Step 6: Await a Decision or File an Appeal
If denied, you can file a supplemental claim or pursue a higher-level review with additional evidence.
What Compensation Could You Receive?
Approved VA claims can result in:
| Benefit Type | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Monthly VA Disability Payments | Based on disability rating (10%–100%) |
| Back Pay | Lump sum from your date of claim or diagnosis |
| VA Healthcare Access | Coverage for service-connected conditions |
| Dependency Benefits | Spousal and child support if your rating is 30%+ |
| Special Monthly Compensation | For severe disabilities like loss of limb or blindness |
Advocacy and Support for Fort McClellan Victims
Several organizations are fighting for accountability:
- Fort McClellan Veterans Stakeholders Group
- Veterans for Common Sense
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
They are pushing for:
- A national health registry
- Inclusion in the PACT Act
- More research and VA training
- A presumptive illness list for McClellan veterans
Final Thoughts
Fort McClellan may no longer appear on military maps, but its toxic legacy lives on in the bodies of those who served there. If you’re suffering from chronic illness and suspect exposure, you are not alone—and you may be eligible for compensation, healthcare, or even future legal settlements.
Start by filing a VA claim. Consult with a knowledgeable VSO or toxic exposure attorney. And stay informed—because with growing legal momentum in 2025, real accountability may finally be within reach.