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VetXL Q&A Chat: Environmental Exposures and Burn Pits
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We have reached capacity for questions for this event and VA will post responses by Feb 22nd.
For other PACT and burn pit related questions please call 1-800-MyVA411 ( [login to see] ).
For other PACT and burn pit related questions please call 1-800-MyVA411 ( [login to see] ).
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Burn Pits
Health
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan
Responses: 145
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SGT Talma Brown
I would do it, just to make sure its documented so you can get care for the associated health issues.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA encourages Veterans who believe they may qualify for benefits based on the PACT Act to apply for benefits even if they are already rated at the 100% level. Also, while there is no higher evaluation than a 100% combined disability rating, there are additional benefits that may be awarded under special monthly compensation.
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My question is if I have records showing that I had suffered from the events in the gulf from the burn pit, and I have records from back then to present day and if I am approved for compensation how far back do you compensate or is it when the President signed the bill? Also after we submit our paperwork what is the approximate waiting period for a reply? Thanks
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CPT Michael Johns
It is only retroactive to date law was signed…Aug, 2022. I applied on Dec 5 and was issued compensation decision on Jan 16.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
All of the conditions under the PACT Act are effective on August 10, 2022, the date the law was signed. One thing we’re celebrating here at VA is that we’re making all conditions effective that day, instead of phasing them in as the legislation was written. So what that means to you is that, as long as you file your claim within one year from August 10, 2022, we can grant benefits back to that date. As for the second part of your question, every claim is different - depending on what evidence VA may need to gather, a Veteran's claim may take more or less time, depending on the circumstances.
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I spent a solid day burning plastic and have had a nagging cough forever. Can I get it checked out?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service. Please contact your health provider to be evaluated for your cough.
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How do you show the nexus for being exposed to Agent Orange. I have proof of being in Thailand in 1969 and I have hypertension which is a presumptive condition according to President Biden And Iwas a field Hydralic repairman where they sprayed the in field and perimeter where I worked. I was told I can not prove I was exposed.
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PO3 Jason Johnson
its all presumptive you dont need nexus all the presumptive illness means that as long as you fit the presumptive criteria they have to help you.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
While we cannot address your specific scenario in this forum, the PACT Act does expand Vietnam-era eligibility to exposure to Agent Orange to additional locations, including Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base between January 9, 1962 and June 30, 1976. Anytime you believe that you have a medical condition that was caused by your military service, VA encourages you to file a claim. You can file a claim online via VA.GOV or, in person at any regional office, or with an accredited representative.
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I spent 6 weeks on guard duty in a tower in the center of a burn pit at LSA Anaconda. I have been diagnosed with chronic broncitis. I am enrolled at the VA and am infrequently treated for unrelated service connected disabilities (60%). What would my first step be? Burn pit exposer has been documented in my file since i demobilized.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service in Iraq. 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/
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
You may be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act. Anytime you believe that you have a medical condition that was caused by your military service, VA encourages you to file a claim. You can file a claim online via VA.GOV or, in person at any regional office, or with an accredited representative.
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hello I have been diagnosed with Choroidal Melanoma in my left eye and I am a OIF II Iraq with over 20 years in the National Guard. Is Choroidal Melanoma (cancer in the eye) covered under a presumptive condition under the Pact Act for Head cancer of any type? Also what care can I possibly get through the VA for treatment of the cancer?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The PACT Act recognizes head cancer of any type as a presumptive condition related to exposure to Burn Pits and Other Toxins, Including Fine Particulate Matter (BPOT). This would include melanoma.
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I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and underwent 9 week’s radiation treatment. I applied for increased disability based on my service in Persian Gulf as prostate cancer is one of the presumptive conditions. I applied in December and was approved by mid-January…pretty painless and quick process!
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Not sure if it's been asked already, but if I file a claim for burn pit exposure how will that affect my current P&T status?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thanks for your service and the question! Applying for PACT Act benefits will not affect your current P&T status. VA encourages Veterans who believe they may qualify for benefits based on the PACT Act to apply for benefits even if they are already rated at the 100% P&T level. Also, while there is no higher evaluation than a 100% combined disability rating, there are additional benefits that may be awarded under special monthly compensation.
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During my service in the Marine air wing, I had a lot of exposure to chemicals that we used to clean radar, navigation aids, and radio equipment, such as cabon tetrachloride. I found out about 20 years after my discharge that carbon tetrachloride is a carcinogen. I am sure that if the other chemicals we used were investigated, many of them would be classified in the same category. Is there any interest the VA has in investigating the exposure issues that we veterans were lead to believe were harmless during our use of them? Thanks for the opportunity to ask this question.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA is aware of the health effects of industrial solvents: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/solvents/index.asp 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/
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