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Common Conditions Caused by Exposure To Burn Pits

Millions of members of the U.S. military served in areas where they were likely exposed to airborne toxins from burn pits. It’s not yet known exactly how many service members burn pits made sick, nor do we know every illness or condition that may have been caused by burn pit exposure. 

Fortunately, the 2022 passage of the PACT Act was a big step forward in getting disabled veterans who were harmed by burn pits the veterans benefits they need and deserve. The Act created a significant list of conditions presumptively connected to burn pit exposure during military service. At about the same time, the VA expanded location-based eligibility for the burn pit registry. 

While research continues into the full extent of the harms potentially caused by burn pits, there are already several conditions that have been presumptively connected to serving in areas with burn pits and others for which there is evidence of a likely connection.

About Burn Pits

The U.S. military has used open-area burning to dispose of a wide variety of materials in various locations. The materials and substances burned include biological and human waste, chemicals, metals, ordnance, rubber, plastic, styrofoam, wood, and other materials. These include some known carcinogens and other potentially harmful substances. 

Unlike closed incinerators, open burn pits can expose anyone nearby to airborne contaminants and irritants. It is estimated that about 3.5 million U.S. service members have suffered burn pit exposure, resulting in a range of outcomes from no known medical issues to skin irritation to cancer and other serious or life-threatening conditions. 

Conditions Connected to Serving Near Burn Pits

Cancer

The VA’s list of presumptive service-connected conditions for those who were exposed to burn pits includes several types of cancer, including head and/or neck cancer, respiratory cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, reproductive cancer, lymphoma, lymphatic cancer, kidney cancer, brain cancer, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.

Data gathered by Burn Pits 360 in its independent registry also suggests that a number of other cancers are associated with burn pit exposure. 

Chronic Respiratory Conditions

Several chronic respiratory conditions have been presumptively linked to burn pit exposure, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, interstitial lung disease, and constrictive or obliterative bronchiolitis. For some other respiratory issues, including obstructive sleep apnea, there is some evidence of connection but the conditions are not currently presumptively connected. 

Neurological Disorders

Currently, there are no presumptive service connections for burn pit exposure and neurological disorders. However, there is some evidence of a connection between exposure to burn pits and several neurological conditions, including migraine, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and peripheral neuropathy.

Claims for these disorders will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and you will need to present medical evidence supporting the link between your military service and the condition. For some conditions, results have been mixed thus far.

Cardiovascular Issues

Currently, there is no conclusive research linking burn pit exposure to heart disease. However, veterans and active service members in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry reported having been diagnosed with heart disease at rates higher than the general population. And, more than 37% of those on the registry reported hypertension, which increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. 

Some types of heart disease are secondary to presumptive service-connected conditions. For example, asthma is associated with a substantially increased risk of heart disease. And, COPD can lead to a certain type of heart failure. 

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune conditions didn’t make the presumptive list for burn pit exposure, but a variety of evidence points to a connection. More than 19% of veterans and service members on the registry mentioned above reported that they had been told by a physician within the past year that they had “immune system issues.” Some of the toxins associated with burn pits, including metals and trichloroethylene (TCE) have known connections to particular autoimmune conditions. 

Sarcoidosis, which is on the presumptive list, is an “autoimmune-related condition.” And, another presumptively connected condition–granulomatous disease–has been linked with autoimmune conditions. 

The Bottom Line on Burn Pit Related Conditions

The PACT Act dramatically expanded access to disability ratings, veterans benefits, and medical care for veterans impacted by burn pit exposure. But, research continues and there are likely many service-connected disabilities stemming from burn pit exposure that isn’t on the presumptive list. There is also a wide range of secondary conditions that may be associated with conditions (presumptive or not) that are caused by burn pit exposure.

As of 2020, the VA had denied about 78% of burn pit related VA disability benefits claims. The VA says it is proactively reaching out to those who have been denied veterans benefits and may now be eligible. But, you don’t have to wait.  If you were denied benefits for a condition that is now considered presumptive, the VA encourages you to file a supplemental claim. When you file a supplemental claim, you’ll need to provide updated evidence to support your claim.

If you didn’t apply for veterans benefits in the past because you heard that claims for your condition were being denied or just didn’t realize it was service-connected, you can apply now. The VA started processing claims associated with PACT Act presumptive conditions in January of 2023. If you apply within a year and are approved, your benefits will be backdated to August 10, 2022.

Veterans Help Group is Here for You

Whether you are filing an initial application for VA disability benefits, have been denied in the past and want to file a supplemental claim, or are contesting a denial, an experienced veterans disability benefits advocate can be your best resource. Our experienced advocates can tell you how the VA has been responding to claims like yours, help you assemble the evidence needed to build the strongest possible claim, and fight for your benefits if you’ve been denied. 

The stronger your initial application, the better the chances of getting your VA disability rating and benefits without unnecessary delay. So, the sooner you connect with an experienced advocate, the better. To learn more about how we can help, just contact us here call (855) 855-8992.