Rock Island Arsenal

Base Background

Location Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, United States
Years of Operation 1862-Present

The Rock Island Arsenal was established in 1862. This site, which sits directly beside the Illinois-Iowa border, played a significant role in the civil war, acting as a prison camp. Following the war, the military used Rock Island Arsenal to store weapons and other supplies. Personnel on the base began producing weapons after World War I. Today, the arsenal is still a weapons manufacturing and support facility and is investigated for PFAS contamination. If you developed a health condition related to PFAS exposure, our Chicago VA disability lawyers may be able to help you obtain compensation.

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

If you were stationed at Rock Island Arsenal, you could be eligible for compensation for illnesses connected to toxic exposure. Our Illinois attorneys may be able to provide legal assistance to help you win disabled veterans benefits. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.