Camp Roberts
Base Background
Camp Roberts is a former U.S. Army base opened in 1941 as a World War II training center. It was built on land originally called Navimiento Ranch that spans both sides of the Salinas River in California, in the Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. The U.S. Army closed the camp in April 1970 and turned it over to the California National Guard in 1971 for use as a training center. Today, Camp Roberts is operated by the California Army National Guard, which uses it for training.
Toxic Exposure at Camp Roberts
The contamination at Camp Roberts stems primarily from the use of asbestos and other toxic materials during its construction and operation. In 2012, remediation was undertaken to clear the camp of structures that were contaminated with lead paint and asbestos.
PFAS Contamination
In 2020, Camp Roberts was identified among 62 military facilities in California with known or suspected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) releases, according to the California Water Boards. These synthetic chemicals, often used in firefighting foam and various industrial applications, are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time.
If you developed a medical condition related to toxic exposure after living or working at or near the base, you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case evaluation here to explore your legal options.
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Good | Limited | ||
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Potential Effects | - | - | 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.
Getting Compensation: VA Claims and Lawsuits
Veterans and civilians who lived or worked at Camp Roberts may be able to receive compensation if they developed health conditions associated with toxic exposure. This would require:
Documenting the time spent at the base using service records and other documentation
Gathering comprehensive medical evidence
Obtaining expert medical opinions to establish a link between the diagnosed medical conditions and the toxic exposure
Making a VA disability claim or pursuing a lawsuit
To win your case, you will likely need assistance from a California veterans disability lawyer who can fight on your behalf and maximize compensation.
For a free case evaluation, please call us on 1-888-477-2363. We specialize in disability law and work on a contingency basis, with no upfront fees.