What You Need to Know About Benefits
COMPENSATION FOR
BURN PIT EXPOSURE
While the VA does not currently regard exposure to burn pits as having long-term health problems for veterans, the agency does say veterans may file for disability compensation for any health problems that you believe may be related to exposure to airborne hazards and open burn pits. Those claims will be decided on a case-by-case basis, according to the VA. Here is what you need to know.
The burn pit in Balad, Iraq. Joint Base Balad, also known as Camp Anaconda, was just a short distance from the pit (a few hundred yards or so), regularly exposing active duty service members stationed there. (2005 photo by Ryan Lackey via Flickr)
Associated Conditions And Diseases
EXPOSURE TO
AIRBORNE HAZARDS
If you served in the Gulf War in 1990-91, or were part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn, there are signs or symptoms you should be aware of that could signal exposure to airborne hazards such as open burn pits.
Want to know what the VA has to say about open burn pits and effects on active duty service members? Find Out
• Download Report on Data from the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit (AH&OBP) Registry, June 2015
• Download Report on Data from the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit (AH&OBP) Registry, April 2015
Report on VA Burn Pit Registry
NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF
SCIENCE CRITICAL OF REGISTRY
An expert committee of the NAS has reviewed and released a report critical of the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. Click below to read more and to download the report.
Burn Pit
Locations
Sites in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries where burn pits were allegedly operated.
Burn Pit
Studies & Research
Download some of the more recent studies relating to burn pit exposure.
Burn Pit
Videos
Interesting and informative video news reports and documentaries on burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Download Physician Medical Statement
You can take this form to a physician or specialist to help determine if a service connection exists between current health condition(s) and military service.