VetXL Q&A Chat: Environmental Exposures and Burn Pits

I think you should be evaluated by a dermatologist and find out what's going on.

Thank you for your service. Bumps on the head may be caused by a wide variety of issues. VA encourages you to discuss this with your medical provider.

Veterans are concerned about the long-term health implications of exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) from consuming contaminated water while stationed at Fort Ord near Marina, CA. VA has reviewed all available data on contamination at Fort Ord. Although plumes of TCE were found in groundwater on the base, due to the architecture of the water system, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) previously concluded that it was unlikely that there was a significant risk of exposure to TCE or other potential toxins via drinking water at Fort Ord that would have impacted human health. The Agency recently announced that there is compelling new evidence to warrant a re-evaluation at the site. VA will monitor these activities closely.

Yes, VA considers certain types of thyroid cancer as covered under neck cancers for purposes of the presumption of service connection based on exposure to burn pits and other toxins. Because each claim would need to be reviewed individually, VA encourages all Veterans who believe their claim is related to service to apply for disability compensation. VA would then determine effective dates, residual disabilities, etc.

file for benefits get medical help too under toxic exposures/pact act

Thank you for your service to the Nation. VA encourages you to discuss the therapeutic options of your skin illnesses with your provider. VA encourages all Veterans who feel their health conditions are related to service to file a claim. This webpage can help instruct you on how to file: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/

Anytime you believe that you have a medical condition that was caused by your military service, VA encourages you to file a claim.

Probably not much benefit to you if you're at 100%

Thank you for your service to the Nation. Submitting a claim for conditions that may be related to service at Camp Lejeune may help VA help other Marines by understanding the diseases associated with the drinking water exposure.

If you served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina, you may have had contact with contaminants in the drinking water there. Scientific and medical evidence has shown an association between exposure to these contaminants during military service and development of certain diseases later on. If you have qualifying service at Camp Lejeune and a current diagnosis of one of the conditions identified by VA as being presumptive to Camp LeJeune contaminated water, you may be able to get disability benefits. For more information, go to: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/