If you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other combat zones after 9/11, chances are you were exposed to toxic smoke from military burn pits. These open-air fires were used to dispose of everything—from chemicals to human waste—and they’ve now been linked to serious health problems in thousands of veterans.
In 2025, thanks to the PACT Act and expanded VA policies, many veterans can now file disability compensation claimsfor burn pit-related illnesses that were once denied.
If you or a loved one is suffering from respiratory issues, cancer, or other chronic conditions after deployment, this guide explains how to file for burn pit exposure compensation, what evidence you’ll need, and what’s changed under new law.
What Are Burn Pits?
Burn pits were massive open-air fire zones used at U.S. military bases overseas to incinerate:
- Plastics
- Paints and solvents
- Medical waste
- Ammunition and weapons
- Human waste and body parts
- Electronics and batteries
- Fuel, oil, rubber, and Styrofoam
These fires burned 24/7—often without filters—releasing toxic chemicals and carcinogens into the air that troops breathed daily.
Where Were Burn Pits Used?
If you served in or near any of these areas, you may have been exposed:
- Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn)
- Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom)
- Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, UAE
- Djibouti and other parts of Africa
As of 2025, the VA recognizes these locations and others as potential exposure zones.
What Health Conditions Are Linked to Burn Pit Exposure?
The VA has created a list of “presumptive conditions”—illnesses that are now automatically assumed to be caused by burn pit exposure, simplifying the claims process.
Respiratory and Lung Conditions:
- Asthma (diagnosed after service)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic rhinitis and sinusitis
- COPD
- Pulmonary fibrosis
Cancers Presumed to Be Service-Connected:
- Brain cancer (glioblastoma)
- Head and neck cancers
- Kidney cancer
- Lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Reproductive cancers (e.g., cervical, testicular)
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Melanoma and skin cancers
Even if your specific condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if you can show a “nexus” between your diagnosis and service.
Chart: Key Conditions and 2025 Compensation Ratings
| Condition | Average VA Disability Rating |
|---|---|
| Asthma | 30%–60% |
| COPD | 30%–100% |
| Sinusitis | 10%–30% |
| Brain Cancer | 100% |
| Lung Cancer | 100% |
| Gastrointestinal Cancer | 60%–100% |
Compensation amounts range from $508 to over $3,700 per month depending on rating and dependents.
How to File a Burn Pit Exposure Claim in 2025
Step-by-step instructions for veterans and survivors:
1. Gather Your Military Service Records
You must show you served in a location where burn pits were active. DD214 forms, deployment orders, or base assignment logs help here.
2. Get Your Diagnosis in Writing
- Medical records from the VA or private doctors
- Date of diagnosis
- Detailed notes linking your condition to symptoms post-deployment
3. File a VA Disability Claim (Form 21-526EZ)
- File online at VA.gov
- Or visit a VA regional office or VSO for help
- Choose “burn pit exposure” as the claimed cause
4. Include Supporting Evidence
If your condition is not on the presumptive list, submit:
- Nexus letter from a doctor
- Air quality studies from your base
- Buddy statements about exposure
5. Attend a C&P Exam (if requested)
The VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension exam to evaluate your condition. Do not skip this exam. Bring your symptoms and history to the appointment.
PACT Act: What Changed for Burn Pit Veterans?
The PACT Act (Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act), passed in 2022 and fully enforced in 2023, expanded burn pit benefits in these key ways:
- 23 new presumptive conditions added
- Extended eligibility to more veterans, including National Guard and Reservists
- Created a faster path to approval
- Gave survivors access to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
This means if you were denied before, you can refile your claim in 2025 under the new rules.
Can Family Members File a Claim?
Yes—surviving spouses, children, or parents may file for:
- DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)
- Accrued benefits owed before the veteran passed
- Funeral expense reimbursement in some cases
You’ll need:
- Veteran’s service and medical records
- Death certificate
- Marriage and birth certificates (for proof of dependency)
Appealing a Denied Burn Pit Claim
Even under new rules, some claims are still denied due to missing evidence or administrative issues. If that happens:
- File a Supplemental Claim with new evidence
- Request a Higher-Level Review by a senior reviewer
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals if needed
Many appeals succeed when more medical evidence is submitted.
Do You Need a Lawyer or VSO?
Not necessarily—but it can help.
- VSOs (Veterans Service Officers) from DAV, VFW, or American Legion offer free help
- VA-accredited lawyers may assist with appeals or complex claims
- Never pay upfront—most attorneys work on a percentage of back pay only if you win
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with unexplained breathing issues, cancer, or chronic illness after military service in a burn pit zone, you may be entitled to lifelong tax-free compensation.
Thanks to the PACT Act and growing recognition of toxic exposure, filing a burn pit exposure claim is now more possible—and more powerful—than ever.
Don’t wait. Your service deserves recognition. Your health deserves care. And your future deserves financial stability.
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#BurnPitExposure #PACTAct2025 #VACompensation #VeteransHealth #ToxicExposureClaims
Website Reference:
Visit https://uorni.xyz for burn pit claim resources, appeal support, and veteran filing templates.