Read about presumptive conditions. While on active duty, military service members may have been exposed to a variety of airborne hazards including:. VA understands that many Veterans are especially concerned about exposure to the smoke and fumes generated by open burn pits.
In Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas of the Southwest Asia theater of military operations, open-air combustion of trash and other waste in burn pits was a common practice. The Department of Defense has now closed out most burn pits and is planning to close the remainder. Depending on a variety of factors, you may experience health effects related to this exposure.
Factors that may indicate you have a greater or lesser risk of short or long-term health effects include:. Researchers, including experts at VA, are actively studying airborne hazards like burn pits and other military environmental exposures. Ongoing research will help us better understand potential long-term health effects and provide you with better care and services.
Many health conditions related to these hazards are temporary and should disappear after the exposure ends. Other longer-term health issues may be caused by a combination of hazardous exposures, injuries, or illnesses you may have experienced during your military service including blast or noise injuries. We encourage all Veterans who are concerned about exposure to burn pits or other airborne hazards to talk to talk to your health care provider, apply for VA health care , and file a claim for compensation and benefits.
You do not have to file a VA claim to receive care from VA. Taking advantage of this enhanced eligibility period may help your VA claim for compensation, benefits, and health care later. Exposure to smoke created by burning these materials may cause irritation and burning of eyes or throat, coughing, breathing difficulties, skin itching or rashes. Many of these conditions are temporary and resolve on their own when the exposure ends. However, if you were closer to burn pit smoke or were exposed for longer periods of time, you may be at greater risk for longer-term health conditions.
