Altus Air Force Base
Altus, OK
Known Toxins1
Years of Operation1943-Present
Base Background
Located in southwestern Oklahoma, Altus Air Force Base opened in 1932 as a pilot training site and has later served as a critical hub for air mobility training. Today, the base is a Strategic Airlift and Air refueling Training School. Home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing, it specializes in training aircrew for the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker, and previously the C-5 Galaxy. Thousands of service members have passed through Altus for pilot, maintenance, and support training over the decades.
Toxic Exposure at Altus AFB
The base is one of the military installations in Oklahoma investigate for contamination with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), the man‑made “forever chemicals” used in firefighting foam (AFFF). Contamination plumes containing PFAS have been identified roughly 30–35 feet below the surface, primarily around the flightline area and within the base fence line.
Because PFAS and similar chemicals persist in soil and groundwater and accumulate over time in the human body, former service members, civilian workers, or family members who lived or worked on base may have been significantly exposed. If you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition linked to PFAS exposure or other environmental contaminants, it’s possible that those conditions may be tied to service at Altus. This could make you eligible for compensation or related veterans benefits if a sufficient service connection is established. Contact our VA disability lawyers for a free evaluation of your case.
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the medical conditions associated with toxic exposure at this base, classified by the strength of evidence required (strong, good or limited).* Please keep in mind that it is not a complete list.
| Toxin | Potential Effects & Strength of Evidence Needed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Good | Limited | ||
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Potential Effects & Strength of Evidence Needed | - | - | Testicular cancer Renal (kidney) cancer... Prostate cancer |
*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.
Paths to Compensation
PFAS have been associated with increased risks of certain cancers (kidney, testicular, prostate), thyroid disease and other serious health conditions which can be claimed as disabilities eligible for VA benefits. Veterans and non-veterans can also seek compensation for PFAS exposure through lawsuits.
Because toxic exposure claims are often complicated, involving detailed service records, exposure history, environmental data, and medical evidence, legal assistance from VA appeal lawyers experienced in toxic exposure claims can be critical in building a strong case.
Hill & Ponton’s VA-accredited lawyers specialize in helping veterans secure or increase compensation and benefits, with no upfront costs. Contact us to discuss your case and your legal options.