VetXL Q&A Chat: Environmental Exposures and Burn Pits

I don't work for the VA, but your question does deserve an answer. I think your experience may be based on where you live or what VA facility you're working with. My experience with my local VA clinic and the closest VA hospital is that I received evaluations and treatment for multiple conditions without any problems. So I think it really may depend on who you're working with and how much they care to do a complete eval and treatment plan for you. Think about going to a different location if that's possible.

Thank you for your service. VA encourages you to discuss your medical concerns with your provider and discuss your toxic exposure concerns. If you feel your medical concerns are not being addressed, you may always contact the Veterans Experience Office at your local VA to resolve your concerns.

Thank you for your service in Bosnia. The PACT Act covers presumptive conditions rethat may be related to service in Southwest Asia. 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/

If you are applying for a new condition under the PACT Act, you can file a claim online via VA.GOV or, in person at any regional office, or with an accredited representative. If you want to file a claim for a condition for which you’ve been previously denied, you do need to file again – you’ll need to submit a supplemental claim using VA Form 20-0995. Again, you can file a claim online via VA.GOV or, in person at any regional office, or with an accredited representative.

what form is use for agent orange used be cover with the white rain

Undecipherable question

Without additional information as to what benefit(s) you want to apply for, VA cannot address your question. However, for disability compensation or pension benefits, you can file a claim online via VA.GOV or, in person at any regional office, or with an accredited representative

DoD has an extensive record of Agent Orange use and storage around the world and none was used or stored at Fort Drum. VA is unaware of any unique environmental exposures at Fort Drum that may heave led to adverse health outcomes. 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/

Thank you for your service. You can learn more about the potential health effects of CARC from VA's website: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/carc-paint/index.asp

Thank you for your service. The PACT Act does not cover daily headaches and migraines. 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 condition that is related to exposure to toxins, you are encouraged to file a claim now. Without meeting the criteria for a presumption, in order to establish entitlement to service-connected compensation there must be (1) evidence of an in-service event, (2) evidence of a current disability and (3) a link between the two. Veterans should submit any supportive evidence along with their claims, which may include service records, medical evidence related to illness or treatment, and lay evidence. VA will assist in requesting medical evidence and scheduling a VA examination or medical opinion.

The PACT Act established presumptions of service connection for more than 20 conditions related to exposure to burn pits and certain other Gulf War toxins. Without additional information as to what benefit(s) you want to apply for, VA cannot address your question. However, for disability compensation or pension benefits, you can file a claim online via VA.GOV or, in person at any regional office, or with an accredited representative

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), which is section 804 of the PACT Act, allows individuals to bring a legal action in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina based on harm caused by exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune. Actions under the CLJA are separate and distinct from claims for VA benefits. Individuals may pursue both a claim for VA benefits based on Camp Lejeune service and an action under the CLJA. Whether you decide to seek relief under the CLJA is entirely your decision and will not influence VA’s decision to provide you benefits or health care based upon your exposure; it also will not affect the amount of benefits or health care VA can provide you.

VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of your disability, which represents how much your disability decreases your overall health and ability to function. We base this rating on the evidence you give us (like a doctor's report or medical test results), the results of a VA claim exam, and other information we may get from other sources (like federal agencies). However, if you believe your condition has worsened, VA encourages you to file a claim for increase.