For decades, veterans silently struggled with the effects of burn pit exposure, suffering from medical problems they could not legally tie to their military service. However, thanks to the passage of the PACT Act, veterans have been able to obtain disability benefits for conditions related to burn pits. Here is what you need to know about burn pit exposure as a veteran:
What is Burn Pit Exposure?
Burn pits are a form of waste disposal that was, until relatively recently, used by the military to get rid of all manner of garbage, from ordinary trash to military equipment and everything in between. While this method of disposal is relatively cheap and easy, it also exposes anyone nearby to whatever is being burned in those pits, as well as any toxic byproducts created from the burning process. This resulted in people being unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pit smoke, potentially causing issues that may not appear until years afterwards.
Who Might Be Affected By Burn Pit Exposure?
Burn pits were used extensively by the military throughout the Gulf War, as well as the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, between 1990 and today. Any veteran who served in that time, as well as any personnel or civilians who lived in the vicinity of military bases during that time, may have been exposed. Fortunately, the use of burn pits has been increasingly phased out by the Department of Defense, but victims still remain.
What Are the Effects of Burn Pit Exposure?
Burn pit exposure can dramatically increase the risk of a variety of different diseases, with twenty conditions having been identified as tied to burn pits. These include certain types of cancer, as well as asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic rhinitis, and emphysema. A full list of associated conditions can be found here.
What Should You Do?
If you or someone you love was a veteran who served in the US military and you suffer from conditions associated with burn pit exposure, you may be entitled to disability benefits through the VA. That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling veteran disability matters. They can help you review your case, and ensure you get the benefits you rightly deserve.
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.
