The U.S. Military used burn pits to dispose of waste during the Gulf War and throughout the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Since then, VA has determined that certain illnesses or conditions were caused by exposure to burn pits or other toxic exposures while serving in these certain locations.
If you meet the criteria outlined, the VA has determined you had a presumption of exposure to burn pits or other toxins and you may be eligible for VA Disability compensation. Quatrini Law Group has helped many Veterans claim disability benefits to deal with diseases contracted during their service.
Who May Qualify for Burn Pit Exposure VA Disability Benefits
To receive VA disability compensation for a presumptive Burn Pit condition, you 1) must have a diagnosed illness or other health condition that’s caused by exposure to a specific toxic hazard in the air, soil, or water; 2) served on active duty in a certain location during a qualifying time period; and 3) didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
Burn Pit Exposure Presumptive Cancers
Certain cancers have been listed as burn pit presumptive cancers. They include Brain, head, neck, and nervous system cancers; Gastrointestinal cancers; Genitourinary cancers; Hematologic and lymphatic cancers; Lymphomas; Melanoma; Pancreatic cancers; Reproductive cancers; and Respiratory cancers. A complete list of Presumptive Cancers related to burn pit exposure can be found on the VA Presumptive cancers related to burn pit exposure page.
Burn Pit Exposure Presumptive Illnesses
Certain illnesses have been listed as burn pit presumptive illnesses. They include: Asthma; Chronic bronchitis; COPD; Chronic rhinitis; Chronic sinusitis; Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis; Emphysema; Granulomatous disease Interstitial lung disease (ILD); Pleuritis; Pulmonary fibrosis; and Sarcoidosis.
PACT Act expanded the list of Burn Pit Presumptive Diseases
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act was passed in 2022. It added more than 20 burn pit and toxic exposures for Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans.
Qualifying locations for Burn Pit Presumptive Diseases
If you served in certain locations in the Middle East or South West Asia on or after September 11, 2001, you have a presumption of exposure to burn pits or other toxins.
If you served in certain locations in the Middle East or South West Asia on or after August 2, 1990, you have a presumption of exposure to burn pits or other toxins.
A complete list is available on the VA website.
What to Do If Your VA Disability Claim Is Re-Rated
If your service-related cancer goes into remission, the VA is required to re-rate you. Often, the re-rating does not take into account Secondary conditions. Quatrini Law Group can help evaluate your rating or if the VA missed Secondary Conditions.
How Quatrini Law Group Helps Veterans With Disability Claims
Meet Our Veterans’ Disability Attorneys
Michael V. Quatrini | (724) 552-2757
Erika N. Dowd | (724) 217-8274
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Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Pit Exposure Veterans’ Disability Benefits
What is a burn pit?
A burn pit was a large, open-air trash fire used to dispose of all types of waste, including human and medical waste, plastics and metals, and petroleum products at military bases primarily in the Middle East.
What should I do if I was exposed to burn pit smoke during my service?
You should apply for VA healthcare, document and speak to your doctor about ALL your symptoms, and register for the Burn Pit Registry.
What is the Burn Pit Registry?
The VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is a critical tool that advances research by combining veteran and service member data, and helps the VA identify and research health challenges of veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits.
Speak With a Veterans’ Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania
As with all of our work at the Quatrini Law Group, we offer a free consultation to review your VA claim. We want to help you decide which claims are ready to appeal, and which appeal options may be right for you. Please contact our office at 1-888-534-6016 or email us to schedule your free telephone, video or in-person appointment.