H.R. 3639 – The Vets Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act
The Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act (H.R. 3639) is a bipartisan bill that protects service members and their families who were exposed to “forever chemicals” on military bases. It would expand VA health care and disability benefits for Veterans and eligible dependents with PFAS‑linked conditions like kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease, so they no longer have to fight alone to prove their exposure. By recognizing PFAS as a toxic service‑connected hazard and easing access to care, this bill honors their service and helps ensure that those harmed by contaminated water and environments finally receive the support they earned.
H.R. 3639 Why we need your support
Kidney disease doesn’t wait and neither do “forever chemicals.” H.R. 3639, the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act (VET PFAS Act), is a lifesaving step to get care and benefits to Veterans and families exposed to PFAS on military bases.
PFAS have been linked to serious health problems—including kidney cancer and other PFAS‑related conditions—yet many Veterans are still fighting alone for recognition and treatment.
Right now, too many fall through the cracks because PFAS exposure is not clearly recognized as service‑connected and dependents exposed in utero or through base housing are often left out. H.R. 3639 begins to fix that by expanding VA health care and eligibility for disability benefits for those who lived, worked, or served on contaminated installations.
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, Veteran, or advocate, supporting this bill is supporting justice and kidney health for PFAS‑exposed military families.
It’s Not About “Extras” – It’s About Basic Care
What it does: H.R. 3639 guarantees access to VA hospital care and medical services for Veterans and eligible dependents who were exposed to PFAS at military installations.
Why some may hesitate: Some may think existing laws like the PACT Act already cover PFAS exposure.
The truth: The PACT Act opened the door on toxic exposure, but PFAS‑exposed Veterans still face gaps and denials. H.R. 3639 specifically addresses PFAS, so Veterans with PFAS‑linked illnesses—like kidney cancer and other serious conditions—can finally get in the door for evaluation and treatment.
It Doesn’t Create Loopholes – It Recognizes Real Exposure
What it does: The bill directs VA to treat documented PFAS exposure on bases as service‑connected for health care eligibility and disability consideration, instead of forcing Veterans to prove the impossible years after they served.
Why some may hesitate: Skeptics may worry this is too broad or will be abused.
The truth: PFAS contamination on many U.S. bases is well‑documented, and PFAS stay in the body for years. This bill doesn’t invent exposure—it acknowledges it—so Veterans and families harmed by contaminated water, firefighting foam, and other base sources can access the benefits they have earned.
It’s Not Just About PFAS – It’s About Kidney Health and Equity
What it does: By opening VA care and disability pathways for PFAS‑related illnesses, including kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease, H.R. 3639 helps close dangerous gaps for Veterans already at higher risk.
Why some may hesitate: Some may see this as a narrow chemical issue instead of a broader health crisis.
The truth: PFAS exposure is tied to multiple serious conditions, and Veterans—especially those from marginalized communities—are disproportionately impacted. Recognizing PFAS exposure and its kidney impact is a step toward fair access to lifesaving screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
It Honors Service – It Doesn’t Grow Red Tape
What it does: H.R. 3639 simplifies access to VA care for those stationed on contaminated bases, reducing the burden of proof on Veterans and families and aligning PFAS policy with other presumptive toxic‑exposure standards.
Why some may hesitate: People may fear this will bog VA down in more paperwork or bureaucracy.
The truth: Clear rules actually reduce red tape. When PFAS exposure at certain bases is recognized up front, VA can focus on providing care instead of forcing Veterans to relive their service and fight for every record. That means faster answers, earlier treatment, and fewer Veterans falling through the cracks.