When the Honoring Our PACT Act (also known as just the PACT Act) was originally passed in 2022, it was a significant boon to veterans everywhere who suffered from disabilities related to burn pit exposure. Previously, these veterans struggled to obtain disability benefits, but thanks to this bill, they became able to access those benefits. But how exactly can burn pit exposure cause service-related disabilities, and how do you know if you have been affected by one?
What is Burn Pit Exposure?
“Burn pit exposure” broadly refers to a variety of medical conditions caused by being in proximity to the “burn pits” that were commonly used by the military to dispose of waste. This practice is still in use in some places, but in a reduced capacity, precisely due to the kind of issues that led to the passage of the PACT Act. In particular, it was noted that veterans and family members who worked or lived downwind of these burn pits were substantially more likely to develop certain uncommon medical conditions.
What Are the Effects of Burn Pit Exposure?
People who were exposed to burn pits while serving in the military, or while living on a military base, have been found to experience severe health consequences as a result. These include a number of cancers, including brain cancer, glioblastoma, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and others. It also includes a number of other conditions, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic rhinitis or sinusitis, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis.
How Can You Show Your Disability is Related to Burn Pits?
Fortunately, the PACT Act has made it significantly easier for people suffering from medical conditions caused by burn pit exposure to obtain disability benefits. This is because it designated a number of medical conditions as “presumptive conditions,” meaning that it is assumed that if you are a veteran and have those conditions, it is related to burn pits and, thus, a service-related disability. A full list of conditions covered by the PACT Act can be found here.
What Should You Do?
If you have one of the above conditions, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling veteran disability claims. They can help you apply for benefits to make sure you have the best chance of getting an approval. They can also help you file an appeal if your application is denied, and they can represent you at any legal proceeding that may ensue.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
