VA Disability for Burn Pit Exposure
Were you exposed to toxic smoke from burn pits while serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other regions, and now suffer from cancer or serious lung conditions?
We can help you get the benefits you deserve
- Written By Attorney Troy Bouk
Understanding Burn Pit Exposure in Veterans
During the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other regions, the military used open-air burn pits to dispose of everything from medical waste and plastics to human waste and hazardous chemicals. Veterans stationed near these pits inhaled smoke filled with toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and carcinogens—often without any protection.
For some veterans, the effects were immediate – coughing, burning eyes, trouble breathing. But for many others, serious illnesses developed years after exposure—respiratory conditions, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and more.
The VA has acknowledged some conditions as presumptive conditions, but many veterans still struggle to get their claims approved or rated fairly.
FAQs about VA Disability Benefits for Burn Pit Exposure...
What does it mean to have a presumptive condition?
A presumptive condition is a condition for which the VA automatically assumes was caused by your military service. As a result, you don’t need to prove that your service caused the condition to get a VA disability rating.
What Presumptive Conditions does the VA Recognize For Burn Pit Exposure?
The VA recognizes the following illnesses as presumptive conditions for burn pits:
- 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
The VA recognizes the following cancers as presumptive conditions for burn pits:
- Brain cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
- Glioblastoma
- Genitourinary cancer
- Head cancer of any type
- Hematologic and lymphatic cancers
- Lymphoma of any type
- Melanoma
- Neck cancer of any type
- Pancreatic cancer
- Reproductive cancer of any type
- Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type
How do I know if I have a presumptive exposure to burn pits?
If you served in any of these locations and time periods, the VA assumes you had exposure to burn pits or other toxins. This is referred to as a presumption of exposure.
On or after September 11, 2001
If you served in any of these locations on or after September 11, 2001, you 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
On or after August 2, 1990
If you served in any of these locations on or after August 2, 1990, you 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
- Arabian Sea
- Gulf of Aden
- Gulf of Oman
- Neutral zone between Iraq/Saudi Arabia
- Persian Gulf
- Red Sea
Even if your diagnosis isn’t on this list, if you have a chronic illness and served near burn pits, you may still qualify for VA disability benefits. You’ll need to submit more evidence to show how your condition connects to your service.
How does the VA rate Burn Pit Exposure Conditions
The VA rates burn pit-related conditions based on the specific illness and its severity:
- Respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma are rated under Diagnostic Codes 6600–6604, based on lung function tests (e.g., FEV1, DLCO), frequency of attacks, and need for medication or oxygen.
- Ratings range from 10%-100%.
- Cancers are typically rated at 100% during active treatment and for six months afterward. After that, the VA evaluates residual effects, such as lung damage or organ dysfunction.
- Secondary conditions like anxiety, depression, or sleep apnea may be rated separately.
Common Symptoms of Burn Pit Exposure in Veterans
Even before a formal diagnosis, many veterans exposed to burn pits experience:
- Chronic cough or breathing difficulties
- Frequent sinus or respiratory infections
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent headaches
- Memory problems or cognitive difficulties
- Skin rashes or irritation
These symptoms may develop slowly over time, but they can have a profound impact on your health, work, and daily life.
Why Burn Pit Exposure Claims Get Denied
VA burn pit claims are often denied because:
- Symptoms took years to appear. The VA may dismiss illnesses that develop long after service.
- No “official” documentation of exposure. Many veterans were stationed near burn pits without specific records noting exposure.
- Scientific evidence is evolving. The VA may lag behind emerging research connecting burn pit toxins to specific illnesses.
Even with the PACT Act, some veterans still face hurdles proving their case. If your claim was denied, don’t give up, we are here to help.
How We Help Veterans With Burn Pit Exposure Claims
Fighting the VA for recognition of burn pit-related illnesses can feel like another battle—but you don’t have to do it alone. We:
- Gather deployment records, medical evidence, and exposure history to strengthen your claim.
- Work with medical experts to connect your condition to burn pit exposure, even if it isn’t on the VA’s presumptive list.
- Ensure that secondary conditions—like mental health issues or organ damage—are included in your claim.
If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal the decision. We will work to make your case stronger during the appeals process.
