Military Burn Pits: Everything You Need to Know

by Blog Staff August 05, 2024

Military burn pits have been a hot topic of discussion among veterans and military health professionals for a couple of decades. These open-air waste disposal sites were used extensively during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, where everything from daily trash to medical waste was incinerated.

But what does this mean for veterans who were exposed to these pits? How do burn pits affect health, and what steps can veterans take to seek help? This blog post aims to answer these questions and more.

The Origins of Burn Pits

Burn pits were established as a quick and efficient way to manage waste in combat zones. With limited infrastructure and the need for rapid waste disposal, open-air pits became the go-to solution. However, their convenience came at a significant cost to the health of those exposed.

Types of Waste Burned in Burn Pits

From household trash to hazardous materials, burn pits were used to incinerate a variety of waste. This included plastics, rubber, batteries, medical waste, and even human waste. The mixture of materials created toxic smoke containing harmful chemicals. These chemicals were breathed in unknowingly by those who had proximity to the burn pits.

It is important to note that an individual who suspects he or she was exposed to burn pits does not necessarily have to have a direct professional connection to the burn pits. For example, if a person had living quarters that were in the path of the burn pit’s smoke, there is a possibility that the person was exposed to toxins.

Chemicals Released by Burn Pits

Burning such diverse materials released a cocktail of chemicals into the air. Some of the harmful substances included dioxins, volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. These chemicals are known to cause severe health problems over time.

Health Effects of Burn Pit Exposure

The exposure to toxic smoke from burn pits has been linked to numerous health issues. Veterans report respiratory problems, chronic cough, headaches, and even more severe conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term exposure has also been associated with certain cancers.

Symptoms to Watch For

Veterans should be aware of symptoms that may indicate burn pit exposure. Persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue are common. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical advice promptly.

Diagnosis and Healthcare Challenges

Diagnosing conditions linked to burn pit exposure can be challenging. Many symptoms overlap with other common illnesses, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Veterans often face hurdles in getting a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Seeking Medical Help

If a veteran suspects their health issues are related to burn pit exposure, they should consult a healthcare provider experienced in dealing with veteran health issues. They can guide them through the necessary tests and treatments.

Legal and Legislative Efforts

Efforts have been made to address the health impacts of burn pits on veterans. Various bills and acts aim to provide medical care and compensation to affected veterans. Staying informed about these legislative efforts is crucial.

Steps to Take After Diagnosis

After receiving a diagnosis related to burn pit exposure, the next steps involve treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Working closely with healthcare providers can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Support Networks for Veterans

Numerous organizations offer support to veterans dealing with health issues from burn pit exposure. These groups provide resources, advocacy, and a community of peers facing similar challenges.

Filing for Disability Claims

Veterans affected by burn pit exposure may be eligible for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The process involves gathering medical records, proof of deployment, and detailed documentation of symptoms. Seek assistance from veteran service organizations to file a claim, but avoid claim shark organizations.

VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments. If a veteran has a health condition caused by exposure to burn pits or other specific hazards in the air, soil, or water during their service, they may be eligible.

To be eligible for disability compensation a veteran must meet these three requirements.

All of these must be true:

The veteran 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, and
They served on active duty in a location that exposed them to the hazard, and
They didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge

Here are some ways a veteran may have had exposure to specific environmental hazards:

Burn pits and other toxic exposures in Afghanistan, Iraq, and certain other areas
A large sulfur fire at Mishraq State Sulfur Mine near Mosul, Iraq
Hexavalent chromium at the Qarmat Ali water treatment plant in Basra, Iraq
Pollutants from a waste incinerator near the Naval Air Facility at Atsugi, Japan

There are conditions the VA has determined are connected to burn pit and other toxins in Afghanistan, Iraq, and certain other areas. They call these presumptive conditions.

To get a VA disability rating, a disability must connect to a veteran’s military service. For many health conditions, a veteran needs to prove that their service caused their condition.

But for some conditions, the VA automatically assumes (or “presumes”) that their service caused their condition. The VA calls these “presumptive conditions.”

The VA considers a condition presumptive when it’s established by law or regulation.

If a veteran has a presumptive condition, they don’t need to prove that their service caused the condition. They only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.

The VA has added more than 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions based on the PACT Act. The full name of the law is the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. This change expands benefits for Gulf War era and post-9/11 veterans.

These cancers are now presumptive:

Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any type
Kidney cancer
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Neck cancer of any type
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type
Respiratory cancer of any type
These illnesses are now presumptive
Asthma that was diagnosed after service
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic sinusitis
Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
Emphysema
Granulomatous disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Pleuritis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Sarcoidosis

If a veteran served in any of the locations and time periods listed below, the VA determined that they had exposure to burn pits or other toxins. This is known as a presumption of exposure.

If a veteran served in any of these locations on or after September 11, 2001, they have a presumption of exposure to burn pits or other toxins.

Afghanistan
Djibouti
Egypt
Jordan
Lebanon
Syria
Uzbekistan
Yemen
The airspace above any of these locations

If a veteran served in any of these locations on or after August 2, 1990, they have a presumption of exposure to burn pits or other toxins.

Bahrain
Iraq
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The airspace above any of these locations