Burn Pit Exposure

Burn pit exposure refers to inhalation of toxic smoke and particulates from open-air waste burning at military installations, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014. The VA recognizes this exposure as a service-related health hazard linked to respiratory diseases, cancers, and other chronic conditions under the PACT Act.

Where Burn Pits Operated

The largest burn pit was at Balad Air Base in Iraq, where waste including plastics, chemicals, batteries, medical waste, and munitions were burned in open trenches. Similar operations occurred at forward operating bases across Afghanistan and Iraq. Service members stationed at these locations, including those who worked within two kilometers of burn pit operations, face presumed exposure in VA claims.

How Exposure Affects Your VA Claim

If you served at a location with documented burn pit operations, you have two pathways for claiming service connection:

Presumptive conditions: The VA recognizes certain presumptive conditions for burn pit exposure, meaning you don't need to prove causation. As of January 2023, these include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer. The VA added these under expanded PACT Act provisions, requiring only proof of service in an affected location and current diagnosis.
Non-presumptive conditions: If your condition isn't on the presumptive list, you'll need a nexus letter from a medical provider establishing the connection between your burn pit exposure and current health condition. C&P examiners evaluate whether your respiratory disease or cancer is more likely than not caused by service.

What to Expect During Your C&P Exam

The VA schedules a compensation and pension examination to confirm your current diagnosis. The examiner will review your service location history, deployment dates, and role. Be specific about proximity to burn operations. The examiner typically orders pulmonary function tests for respiratory claims. Bring documentation of your service location, including any military health records mentioning burn pit exposure or respiratory symptoms during service.

VA Rating Decisions

Once service connection is established, the VA assigns a disability rating from 0 to 100 percent based on symptom severity. For COPD, ratings typically range from 10 to 60 percent depending on forced expiratory volume (FEV1) test results. Lung cancer and asthma may receive higher ratings. You can appeal your rating if you believe it underestimates your functional impairment.

Strengthening Your Burn Pit Claim

Compile service records proving your location and dates at affected bases. The VA maintains a list of presumptive locations.
Obtain medical evidence documenting your condition diagnosis date and current severity. Earlier documentation strengthens causation arguments.
Request a nexus letter from your civilian doctor or VA provider if pursuing non-presumptive conditions. The letter must specifically address burn pit exposure as a contributing factor.
Work with a VA-accredited representative or VSO who understands PACT Act updates. Many Veterans Service Organizations provide free representation.

Common Questions

Do I need medical evidence if my condition is presumptive? Yes. While causation is presumed, you still need a current diagnosis from a VA or civilian provider. The diagnosis must match the presumptive condition list exactly.
What if I can't find records proving I was near burn pits? Request your service records through your branch of service. If official location documentation is unavailable, buddy statements from fellow service members and your own testimony can support your claim, though they carry less weight than official records.
Can I file a claim years after separation? Yes. There's no time limit on VA disability claims. However, earlier diagnosis documentation helps. If your condition developed after service but worsened later, the effective date of your claim depends on when you file, not when symptoms appeared.

PACT Act - The legislation expanding VA health care and disability benefits for burn pit exposure
Presumptive Condition - Health conditions the VA assumes are service-related without requiring a nexus letter

Burn Pit Exposure