Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin Tiktok Pinterest Phone-alt Envelope
GET IN TOUCH

VA Disability for Fuelers

Picture of Leah Bucholz

Leah Bucholz

Leah Bucholz, PA-C, is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant, U.S. Army combat veteran, and nationally recognized medical expert in veterans’ disability claims. A former VA Compensation & Pension examiner, she founded Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting to provide independent, regulation-based medical opinions (“nexus” letters) grounded in the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR). Leah’s work is frequently cited in favorable Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions, and her content draws directly from authoritative sources such as VA.gov, the eCFR, and the Federal Register.
Linkedin Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
VA Disability for Fuelers

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, our blogs are written and reviewed by licensed medical professionals or military veterans with direct experience in the VA claims process. Our team has served as healthcare providers, combat veterans, and former VA examiners — giving us unique insight into both the medical and regulatory side of benefits. Every article is designed to provide accurate, trustworthy, and practical guidance so that veterans and their families can make informed decisions with confidence.

Fuelers, officially known as petroleum supply specialists, play a vital yet often overlooked role in the military. While the job keeps missions moving, it also brings exposure to significant occupational hazards. Many veterans who worked daily with fuels, petroleum products, and hazardous chemicals later develop conditions linked to those exposures. Understanding how these issues connect to VA disability benefits can make a huge difference for those struggling with long-term health concerns.

Leah explores what fuelers do, the health risks tied to their duties, how the VA evaluates disabilities related to petroleum exposure, and what steps veterans can take when filing a claim.

YouTube video

Understanding the Role of Fuelers

Fuelers handle the lifeblood of military operations: fuel, lubricants, and petroleum products. Their responsibilities ensure that vehicles, aircraft, and generators operate smoothly and safely across all environments.

Typical tasks include:

  • Operating and maintaining fuel pumps, pipelines, hoses, and storage tanks

  • Conducting fuel quality testing

  • Refueling aircraft and ground vehicles

  • Transporting petroleum products under demanding conditions

  • Working long hours around fumes, spills, and chemical vapors

Fuelers often find themselves in high-tempo situations where accuracy and speed matter. The role is physically demanding and puts service members in constant proximity to hazardous substances.

Even outside this occupational specialty, many other military roles involve some level of fuel handling. But petroleum supply specialists are exposed more frequently and more directly than most.

Documented Health Risks from Fuel Exposure

Decades of research support the link between fuel exposure and long-term health issues. Handling fuels is not merely a routine job task; it can lead to chronic medical conditions that persist long after service.

Respiratory Problems

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that long-term petroleum exposure increases the risk of:

  • Chronic bronchitis

  • Asthma

  • Airway inflammation

VA and DoD research also show elevated respiratory symptoms among individuals exposed to jet fuel and gasoline fumes.

Skin Conditions

Frequent skin contact with petroleum products may cause:

  • Dermatitis

  • Chronic rashes

  • Persistent irritation requiring treatment

Neurological Effects

Some service members exposed to fuel fumes report:

  • Headaches

  • Memory issues

  • Dizziness

  • Peripheral neuropathy

These symptoms can be associated with long-term inhalation of volatile organic compounds.

Cancer and Blood Disorders

The National Academy of Sciences has reviewed evidence linking fuel components such as benzene to:

  • Leukemia

  • Certain cancers

  • Blood disorders

For fuelers, these are not rare events—they’re daily occupational risks.

Common VA Disability Claims Filed by Fuelers

There is no special rating category specifically for petroleum supply specialists. Instead, the VA evaluates each condition individually, based on severity and evidence connecting the condition to service.

Frequently rated conditions include:

1. Respiratory Disorders

  • Asthma

  • Chronic bronchitis

  • COPD

  • Restrictive airway issues

Asthma, for example, may be rated anywhere from 10 percent to 100 percent depending on required medication, frequency of attacks, and hospitalization history.

2. Skin Conditions

  • Dermatitis

  • Chronic rashes

  • Chemical burns

These often stem from repeated dermal exposure to petroleum products.

3. Neurological Issues

  • Chronic headaches

  • Cognitive difficulties

  • Peripheral neuropathy

4. Cancer and Blood Disorders

  • Leukemia

  • Other petroleum-related cancers

  • Anemia or related blood abnormalities

5. Burn Injuries

Fuel operations sometimes involve fire hazards, explosions, or accidental exposure requiring treatment and possible long-term evaluation.

Secondary Conditions Fuelers Should Consider

Some conditions caused by petroleum exposure don’t end with the primary diagnosis. Secondary service connection may be available for related health complications.

Examples include:

  • Sleep apnea resulting from chronic respiratory issues

  • Cardiovascular problems linked to breathing disorders or chronic inflammation

  • Chronic infections from damaged skin

  • Fatigue, anemia, or complications stemming from cancer or blood disorders

  • PTSD, depression, or anxiety related to hazardous working conditions, accidents, or near-miss events

Identifying secondary conditions can significantly strengthen a VA disability case and increase overall compensation.

Challenges Fuelers Face After Leaving Service

The transition into civilian life can be tougher for fuelers than many realize.

Some common difficulties include:

  • Chronic breathing problems that limit physical employment

  • Frequent medical monitoring for cancers or chemical-related illnesses

  • Uncertainty about whether symptoms are service-related

  • Feeling overlooked because fuel exposure isn’t as widely discussed as combat injuries

These challenges often lead to delays in filing claims or seeking treatment. Despite the lack of visibility, the VA does acknowledge the risks associated with petroleum exposure.

How Veterans Can Strengthen a VA Claim

Even though not all service members had their symptoms documented in real time, there are several ways to build a strong claim related to fuel duties.

1. List Your MOS and Duties

Showing that your occupational specialty involved direct fuel handling helps establish exposure.

2. Gather Medical Records

Include both service treatment records and post-service medical documentation for respiratory, skin, neurologic, or blood-related symptoms.

3. Document Secondary Symptoms

If you have related conditions such as sleep apnea, depression, or cardiovascular issues, include them.

4. Submit Lay Statements

Statements from fellow service members can help confirm fuel exposure, daily duties, accidents, or health issues observed during service.

5. Demonstrate Physical Demands

Official resources describe the physical requirements of the job. For example, petroleum supply specialists may need to frequently lift equipment weighing 100 pounds or more, climb 50-foot structures, or perform physically strenuous tasks in hazardous environments. This can support claims involving orthopedic or overuse injuries.

Helpful Resources for Former Fuelers

Veterans with petroleum exposure concerns may benefit from:

  • VA Environmental Health Clinics for chemical exposure exams

  • Veteran service organizations that assist with claims

  • Occupational health research centers providing studies on fuel-related risks

  • Crisis support lines for those struggling emotionally with chronic illness

These resources can make it easier to navigate health concerns, documentation, and claims.

Final Thoughts

Fuelers keep military missions running, often under intense conditions and with significant exposure to hazardous materials. The health effects of that work don’t always appear immediately, and many veterans find themselves dealing with chronic respiratory issues, skin problems, neurological symptoms, or more serious illnesses years later.

Understanding how the VA evaluates these conditions empowers fuelers to pursue the benefits they may rightfully deserve. With thorough documentation, strong evidence, and awareness of primary and secondary conditions, veterans can build a clearer path toward receiving disability compensation for service-connected health issues.

Also Read: What Truly Counts as a Service-Connected Aggravation?

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.

Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.

Picture of Alan Bucholz, PA-C

Alan Bucholz, PA-C

Board-Certified Physician Assistant | U.S. Army Combat Veteran | Co-founder & CFO, Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting

This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Alan Bucholz, PA-C, a board-certified Physician Assistant and retired U.S. Army combat veteran with experience in emergency medicine and two combat deployments (Iraq & Afghanistan). As Co-founder of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, Alan provides evidence-based medical opinions to support veterans’ VA disability claims with accuracy, compliance, and ethics.

Linkedin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You might also enjoy

1000027286

Dyani Robinson

Customer Relations Manager

Dyani Robinson serves as the Customer Relations Department Manager at Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, bringing her U.S. Air Force experience, discipline, and deep-rooted commitment to the veteran community into every aspect of her leadership. As a disabled veteran, Dyani understands the importance of being heard, respected, and supported — and she carries that understanding into the way she leads her department and interacts with every client.
 
Dyani’s professional background spans veteran services, federal programs, client advocacy, and high-volume case management across healthcare, education, and government sectors. She is known for her steady professionalism, exceptional communication skills, and ability to bring clarity and reassurance to complex situations. Her work supporting military families and diverse veteran populations has shaped her into a leader who is both mission-driven and deeply empathetic.
 
In her role as Customer Relations Department Manager, Dyani is responsible for setting the standard for communication excellence, operational consistency, and the overall client experience. She leads with a veteran-first mindset — ensuring every interaction is handled with integrity, accuracy, and respect. Dyani takes pride in fostering a department culture where service, accountability, and attention to detail are at the forefront.
 
For Dyani, this role is more than management — it is a continuation of her service. She is dedicated to creating an environment where veterans feel valued, supported, and confident throughout their experience with Prestige. Her leadership reflects both the strength of her military foundation and her genuine passion for serving those who have served.
2024 VA Disability Rates

Danielle McClaskey

Client Relations Specialist U.S. Navy Veteran

In her active-duty service in the United States Navy, Danielle undertook a variety of responsibilities, ranging from essential administrative duties to providing crucial medical care. Her multifaceted contributions played a pivotal role in enhancing her fellow service members’ operational effectiveness and well-being.

As a disabled veteran, she developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by her fellow service members. Now, in her civilian role, Danielle is a valued member of the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team, where she continues to leverage her extensive background and educational achievements to provide exceptional support to veterans.

Leticia

LETICIA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Leticia has been in the medical field for nearly 14 years. She has always had a passion for medicine and caring for her community. Leticia has spent the last 4 years caring for veterans and first responders with alcohol and substance abuse in a medical rehabilitation setting whilst continuing her education working towards a degree in software development.

Someday she hopes to develop medical software that further enhances the patient’s experience in medical care. Leticia has a deep respect and love for those who have served as she comes from a family of law enforcement and military veterans.

alan bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Julie Pereira

JULIE PEREIRA:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

During her Active-Duty time in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Julie provided medical administration
and patient care services in the field, the hospital, and base medical office settings.  This military medical and
administrative background has given Julie the hands-on experience and extensive knowledge necessary to
provide unparalleled service to her fellow Veterans through the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Julie’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Human Services and a pre-nursing associate in arts and science.

Julie has been inspired by her firsthand knowledge of navigating the VA Benefits process. She has dedicated
most of her adult life to serving Veterans through her knowledge derived from her military and civilian medical
education and training.

Jennifer Januta

JENNIFER JANUTA

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

During her Active-Duty service in the Army, Jennifer supported various research efforts centered on combat casualty care and Soldier performance. Her military background gave her unique insights into veterans’ distinct challenges, ultimately inspiring her to join the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Jennifer’s educational achievements include a master’s in molecular biology from George Washington University and a master’s in data science from Texas Tech University. Jennifer wholeheartedly dedicates herself to utilizing her knowledge and expertise gained from 15 years of healthcare experience to impact the well-being of those who have served positively.

alan bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Leah - Meet the Team

LEAH BUCHOLZ, PA-C

U.S ARMY VETERAN, MEDICAL EXPERT & FORMER C & P EXAMINER

Meet Leah, the founder, and leader of our organization. ​​A combat veteran herself, she understands the unique challenges veterans face, making her mission about much more than running a successful business. It’s about the opportunity to provide a legacy of exceptional service for our heroes.​

​“It is essential to remember that there is no greater honor than caring for service members on the battlefield. Continuing to care for Veterans after separation is an opportunity that I have been afforded to extend that care in this new battlefield related to service-incurred disabilities.”

Her inspiration comes from years of military experience working alongside her fellow servicemembers, particularly key leaders who have influenced her journey, applying their wisdom to her path. She values her team deeply, most of whom are also disabled combat veterans, each member a trusted individual sharing her vision.

 “Driven by passion and purpose, I aim to create a sustainable change that empowers veterans and future generations.”

Leah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From overcoming and living with her service-related disabilities to navigating work-life balance, she’s learned to face each hurdle head-on with resilience.  Like many of her veteran brothers and sisters, her early background consisted of limited resources and opportunities. Her military service has helped shape her into a steadfast leader, offering relatable inspiration to others.

Join us in celebrating Leah, a compassionate leader, and resilient veteran, driving our mission to serve those who served our nation.

Prestige Veteran
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.