Fort Gordon (Eisenhower)
Base Background
Fort Eisenhower, formerly known as Fort Gordon, is a U.S. Army installation located near Augusta, Georgia. Established in 1941 during World War II as Camp Gordon, the base has a rich history of military training and has evolved to become the Cyber Center of Excellence. On October 23, 2023, the base was renamed to honor Army General Dwight Eisenhower.
Toxic Exposure at Fort Gordon
Veterans and personnel stationed at Fort Gordon (Fort Eisenhower) may be at risk of health conditions related to:
- Agent Orange exposure
- PFAS water contamination
- Heavy metal and chemical exposure
Fort Gordon and Agent Orange
In July 1967, Agent Orange and herbicides such as Agent Blue were tested at Fort Gordon’s Training Area 47, in a small training site known as Camp Crockett. Located right in the middle of the base, this site was used for Vietnam War preparation, including tactical training and guerrilla warfare simulations. In 2009 veteran James Cripps became the first person to definitively prove Agent Orange exposure at Camp Crockett, having sprayed Agent Orange himself in the lakes around Fort Gordon.
More recently, the VA has added Fort Gordon to a list of US military bases where Agent Orange was stored or tested. However, the presumptive service connection has not yet been extended to include these bases, meaning that veterans who served at Fort Gordon still have to prove their Agent Orange exposure.
PFAS Contamination
Fort Gordon has been identified as a site with significant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in several areas, including the former fire station and fire training area, the solid waste management unit (Building 955), the Fort Gordon wastewater treatment plant and the Gibson Road landfill. In November 2023, tests showed water contamination with high levels of PFAS, potentially linked to serious medical conditions, including cancer.
If you developed related health issues 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.
Fort Gordon VA Claims and Lawsuits
Veterans who served at Fort Gordon and developed health conditions potentially linked to toxic exposure may be eligible for compensation. We recommend the following steps:
- Document the time spent at the base using service records and other documentation
- Gather comprehensive medical evidence
- Obtain expert medical opinions to establish a link between diagnosed medical conditions and Agent Orange or PFAS exposure
- File VA disability claims or a lawsuit
To win your case, you may need legal assistance. An experienced disability lawyer 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.