U.S. Veteran Burn Pit Injury Lawyer

Veteran Burn Pit Injury Lawyer For Veterans Throughout the United States

There are many veterans who have experienced health issues due to burn pit exposure during their service. Burn pits were commonly used by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan as a means of waste disposal, and various materials, including chemicals, plastics, medical waste, and munitions, have been burned. The inhalation or injection of particulate matter from these burn pits has been linked to numerous respiratory conditions and other illnesses.

Veterans who have experienced health issues related to their service may qualify for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, some veterans may face denials of disability benefits or other types of VA benefits. At The Vet Law Office, we understand the concerns that veterans face as they pursue benefits, and we provide legal help for veterans who need to file claims or appeal unfavorable decisions.

Types of Conditions Resulting From Burn Pit Exposure

Veterans who have been exposed to burn pits may experience a variety of health conditions due to the toxic substances released into the air. These conditions can affect different parts of the body, and they can vary in severity. Following the passage of the PACT Act by Congress in 2022, a number of conditions were made "presumptive," allowing veterans to automatically qualify for VA disability benefits without the need to prove that a condition was caused by military service. Conditions that may be related to burn pit exposure include:

• Respiratory disorders: Inhalation of smoke and toxins from burn pits can lead to respiratory illnesses. Conditions such as asthma diagnosed after a person's service, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, and interstitial lung disease are presumptive.
• Cancer: Some studies have indicated that burn pit exposure may lead to an increased risk of certain cancers. A number of different forms of cancer are considered to be presumptive conditions, brain cancer, kidney cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, cancers affecting the lungs or respiratory system, lymphoma, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, cancers affecting the head or neck, and cancers affecting the reproductive system.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Exposure to hazardous chemicals emitted by burn pits may affect the digestive system, leading to conditions such as gastritis, acid reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or liver dysfunction.
• Dermatological conditions: Contact with harmful substances released by burning waste can result in skin rashes, burns, dermatitis, or other skin-related ailments.
• Nervous system disorders: Some veterans have reported neurological symptoms after exposure to burn pit fumes. These symptoms include headaches or migraines, memory loss, cognitive impairment, dizziness, peripheral neuropathy, or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Studies have suggested a potential link between burn pit exposure and cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), or stroke.
  

Service-Related Exposures Leading to Health Issues

Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other areas may have been exposed to burn pits if they were stationed near military bases where these waste disposal methods were utilized. Veterans will have presumptive exposure to burn pits if they served in Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Lebanon, Djibouti, or Uzbekistan at any time after September 11, 2001. Presumptive exposure to burn bits will also apply for veterans who served in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, or Somalia at any time after August 2, 1990.

Service members involved in specific roles may have had higher levels of exposure due to their proximity to the burn pits:

• Military personnel: Soldiers deployed in combat zones who lived and worked near burn pits are at a higher risk of exposure.
• Air Force personnel: Veterans who have been responsible for operating aircraft that transported waste materials for burning may have experienced significant exposure.
• Maintenance workers: Military personnel assigned to maintain or operate equipment used in the burning process could be at an increased risk of health issues risk due to prolonged contact with hazardous substances.

Potential VA Disability Benefits for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes that veterans exposed to burn pits may suffer from health conditions related to their service. As a result, eligible veterans can seek disability benefits through the VA. These benefits may include:

• Disability compensation: Veterans who can establish a service connection between their health condition and burn pit exposure may be eligible for monthly disability compensation payments. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the disability.
• Healthcare benefits: Veterans who experience service-related illnesses or health conditions are entitled to receive medical care at VA facilities, including treatment needed to address respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal issues, dermatological conditions, neurological symptoms, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer.
• Pension Programs: In certain cases where veterans have severe disabilities resulting from burn pit exposure and meet specific income requirements, they may be eligible for pension programs that provide financial assistance.

If you are a veteran who has been exposed to burn pits during your military service and subsequently developed health issues related to this exposure, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can assist with VA disability claims. Your lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim with the VA, appealing the denial of disability benefits, or addressing an incorrect disability rating. With an attorney's help, you can ensure that you will receive the benefits you deserve.

Contact Our U.S. Veteran Burn Pit Injury Attorney

To ensure that you will be able to address conditions related to burn pit exposure during military service, we encourage you to reach out to The Vet Law Office for legal help. Attorney Edward Farmer will work tirelessly on your behalf to present a compelling case supported by evidence so that you can obtain the maximum benefits available through the VA. We understand the challenges faced by veterans, and we are committed to providing compassionate support throughout every step of your legal journey. Contact us today by calling 1-800-700-4174 to set up a consultation.