Open Burn Pit Health Issues
All veterans who served in eligible locations should include their information in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pits Registry. Participation in the registry is very important as it will allow VA to track burn pit exposure and draw inferences regarding associated adverse health effects. Exposure to burn pits may be associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
Recently, VA stated that veterans with underlying respiratory conditions may be at greater risk for developing complications related to COVID-19.
Service members and veterans who have already signed up for the registry should make sure that their contact information, phone number, address, and email are up-to-date.
Eligible Veterans and service members include those who served in:
- Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn
- Djibouti, Africa on or after September 11, 2001
- Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm
- Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990
Veterans may file a claim for disability compensation for health problems they believe are related to exposure to burn pits during military service.
VA decides these claims on a case-by-case basis.
Robert is an Army combat veteran with service in Vietnam, Europe, the Pentagon, and the Department of State. He is an advocate for disabled veteran awareness and suicide prevention.
ive been trying to register on the burn pit. i was there numerous times in different areas before and after 911, i was on land and on ships in these areas for months and days on time
im trying to find out why not allowing me put in things. i was there operation odyssey dawn , operation dessert strike, and other occasions on the ships being in the area at different times.
Hello Fred. They could be having Internet or website problems. I suggest you contact a service officer at the VFW, DAV, or American Legion who can help you through the process: VFW – https://www.vfw.org/assistance/va-claims-separation-benefits; American Legion – https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Find-a-Service-Officer; DAV – https://www.dav.org/member-resources/service-officer/. Thank you for your service!
I was in Vietnam and we had burn pits also 50 gal drums cut in half and we used kerosene to burn the
human feces
I am an Army veteran who served in SWA in 91. I am from MD and I registered on the VA burn pit site in 2018 and since then I have tried several unsuccessfully to get the physical examination. The latest run around I have received from calling my Environmental Healthcare Coordinators office is “she’s too busy and won’t be doing exams anytime soon”. Would it help to write my VA advocate.
Hi Dove,
Connect with your local VFW or American Legions posts. They have trained service officers who can help you.
All the best for the Holidays!
How do i register on the burn pit registry?
Hi Homer,
To check your eligibility for the registry and complete the online questionnaire, visit the secure registry portal.
Participation in the registry is voluntary and cannot negatively impact your access to VA health care or your claim for compensation and benefits.
Best, Robert