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VetXL Q&A Chat: Environmental Exposures and Burn Pits
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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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Used AFFF in multiple fire fighting events and in training over many years ('83-'98). Developed Cancer in 2007 at age 42 with no family history. AFFF is now linked to PFAS and cancer. What is the VA doing for service members who were exposed to these chemicals?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service to the nation. VA is concerned about exposure to AFFF and other PFAS products. Additonally, and VA is collaborating with other Federal agencies who are working on understanding the range of health effects and the significance of blood levels. You can find more information here: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/pfas.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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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
While we cannot address your specific scenario in this forum, 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 submitted a claim under the Pact Act relating to agent orange exposure, which had already been documented. I sent in the claim on Aug 31 22022 and have not heard a word from the claim center. Should I have heard something by now?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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. While we can’t really speak to your specific claim situation in this forum due to privacy issues, you can contact our national call center to talk about the status of your individual claim.
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Vietnam vet with fourth division 11b 11C MOS 1969 and 1970 do I qualify for agent orange exposure
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service in Vietnam. If you were in Vietnam during the periods you indicate, then you are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Based on your service in Vietnam, you may be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act, depending on what medical conditions you wish to claim. 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 served in Vietnam from Oct70-Nov71, and have been diagnosed by VA physicians with hypertension. I submitted a claim for VA disability, and received notice that my claim was granted with a rating of 0 percent. Because my diastolic B/P is not over 100, and my systolic B/P is not over 160. I have been taking medication from the VA to control my B/P so my readings would not exceed the above listed numbers. Should I quit taking my medication so that my B/P readings would no longer be under control, and meet the requirements set by the VA for a 10 percent every a valuation?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank your for your service in Vietnam. No provider would recommend stopping your blood pressure medications because of the risks involved, including heart attacks or stroke.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service and we are pleased that through the PACT Act, Public Law 117-168 your hypertension has now been service connected. We understand your frustration and suggest you continue following your treatment protocols for hypertension. Hopefully the following explanation will help you in determining your next steps.
The rating schedule requires consideration of the predominant (most common or prevailing) blood pressures to determine an evaluation of hypertension. When current predominant blood pressure readings result in a noncompensable evaluation (0 percent) such as in your case, a 10 percent evaluation may be assigned if continuous medication is required to control blood pressure and there is a history of diastolic pressure (before medication was prescribed) predominantly 100 or more.
Please review your historical blood pressure readings before being prescribed medication with your medical provider to determine if you meet the criteria for the compensable evaluation and consider filing a Supplemental Claim so that we may reconsider your disability evaluation based on this information. For more information on these options, please see our website at https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/supplemental-claim/ or https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/higher-level-review/.
The rating schedule requires consideration of the predominant (most common or prevailing) blood pressures to determine an evaluation of hypertension. When current predominant blood pressure readings result in a noncompensable evaluation (0 percent) such as in your case, a 10 percent evaluation may be assigned if continuous medication is required to control blood pressure and there is a history of diastolic pressure (before medication was prescribed) predominantly 100 or more.
Please review your historical blood pressure readings before being prescribed medication with your medical provider to determine if you meet the criteria for the compensable evaluation and consider filing a Supplemental Claim so that we may reconsider your disability evaluation based on this information. For more information on these options, please see our website at https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/supplemental-claim/ or https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/higher-level-review/.
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BP/Hyp is now 'presumptive' for Vietnam vets. I had a claim already in on this issue. A VSO told that what VA will do is 'service connect' all the claims for this BUT will not pay comp since "its controlled with meds" So, here's the obvious question: #1 How is it that ppl are receiving comp for hearing disabilities, even though their hearing is 'controlled' with state-of-the-art hearings aids supplied by VA , when other conditions that are controlled with meds are NOT qualified for comp.? #2 Can VA explain this inconsistent logic, and policy?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA’s regulations provide that a 10 percent disability evaluation will be assigned for hypertension if the diastolic readings are predominantly 100 or more; systolic readings are 160 or more; or continuous medication is required to control hypertension and there is a history of diastolic readings of 100 or more.
VA considers the effect of medication in rating many disabilities, to include hypertension, as the type and frequency of the medication prescribed to manage the disability has determined to be indicative of the functional impairment caused by the disability. This has been determined to be the case with hypertension, as the need for continuous medication demonstrates the severity of the disability that is considered in the rating criteria for the disease. Furthermore, the need for considering the use of medication in rating hypertension is further heightened since physicians generally place patients on continuous medication upon the initial diagnosis of hypertension in view of the well-established health consequences of untreated hypertension. Thus, given that blood pressure readings are often reduced to normal levels with the introduction of anti-hypertensive medication, the effects of medication are appropriately considered in rating hypertension.
VA’s regulations requires that audiology examinations conducted for rating purposes will be performed without the use of hearing aids. VA does not consider a hearing aid medication, but rather more approximate to a prosthetic that is intended to restore a body part, as close as possible, to normal functioning. Accordingly, we do not require a Veteran with hearing aids to wear the device during an audiology examination conducted for rating purposes as the use of such device would effectively mask the actual severity of the hearing loss and result in the assignment of an artificially lower disability evaluation. For example, we do not consider the restorative effect of a prosthetic limb when assigning a disability evaluation for a Veteran with an amputated extremity. We also do not consider the effect of hearing aids, which is also a prosthetic, when assigning disability evaluations for Veterans with service-connected hearing loss.
We hope that this explanation satisfactorily explains VA’s approach in rating hypertension and hearing loss. Regarding your hypertension claim, please review your historical blood pressure readings before being prescribed medication with your medical provider to determine if you meet the criteria for the compensable evaluation and consider filing a Supplemental Claim so that we may reconsider your disability evaluation based on this information For more information on these options, please see our website at https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/supplemental-claim/ or https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/higher-level-review/.
VA considers the effect of medication in rating many disabilities, to include hypertension, as the type and frequency of the medication prescribed to manage the disability has determined to be indicative of the functional impairment caused by the disability. This has been determined to be the case with hypertension, as the need for continuous medication demonstrates the severity of the disability that is considered in the rating criteria for the disease. Furthermore, the need for considering the use of medication in rating hypertension is further heightened since physicians generally place patients on continuous medication upon the initial diagnosis of hypertension in view of the well-established health consequences of untreated hypertension. Thus, given that blood pressure readings are often reduced to normal levels with the introduction of anti-hypertensive medication, the effects of medication are appropriately considered in rating hypertension.
VA’s regulations requires that audiology examinations conducted for rating purposes will be performed without the use of hearing aids. VA does not consider a hearing aid medication, but rather more approximate to a prosthetic that is intended to restore a body part, as close as possible, to normal functioning. Accordingly, we do not require a Veteran with hearing aids to wear the device during an audiology examination conducted for rating purposes as the use of such device would effectively mask the actual severity of the hearing loss and result in the assignment of an artificially lower disability evaluation. For example, we do not consider the restorative effect of a prosthetic limb when assigning a disability evaluation for a Veteran with an amputated extremity. We also do not consider the effect of hearing aids, which is also a prosthetic, when assigning disability evaluations for Veterans with service-connected hearing loss.
We hope that this explanation satisfactorily explains VA’s approach in rating hypertension and hearing loss. Regarding your hypertension claim, please review your historical blood pressure readings before being prescribed medication with your medical provider to determine if you meet the criteria for the compensable evaluation and consider filing a Supplemental Claim so that we may reconsider your disability evaluation based on this information For more information on these options, please see our website at https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/supplemental-claim/ or https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/higher-level-review/.
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I served from 1976 to 200 in the Coast Guard. During that time I was exposed to Asbestos, trichlorethalene, lead paints, PCB, and high levels of ionized radiation. I am on the VA Ionized Radiation Registry (IRR). I am scheduled for a PACT Act review in June with my primary care physician. I have had kidney cancer (diagnosed by the VA), severe sleep apnea (diagnosed by the VA) and contracted diabetes (diagnosed by the VA). There is no history of Diabetes or sleep apnea in my family. Are these chemical and radiation exposures linked to diabetes, sleep apnea and kidney cancer? If so, what do I need to provide to the VA to get these medical issues linked to my service time? Not looking for money. Just want to make sure that if I die due to any of these exposures my dependents will be taken care of.
Thank you. Don, ETC (E7) USCG Retired.
Thank you. Don, ETC (E7) USCG Retired.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Prior to your visit with your provider, you may want to review VA's websites regarding your exposures. Asbestos: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/asbestos/index.asp. Solvents: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/solvents/index.asp. Ionizing radiation: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/radiation/index.asp. PCBs: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/pcb/index.asp. Reviewing these websites prior to your visit may help better inform your discussion with your provider.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Anytime you believe that you have a medical condition that was caused by your exposure to military environmental exposures, including radiation, VA encourages you to file a claim. Depending on where you served, you may be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act. If you are not covered under the PACT Act, entitlement to service-connected benefits may be established 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. 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 am on Agent Orange list with VA for Peripheral Neuropathy and receive various treatment with VA. Is there anything else I need to know???
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The PACT Act adds two new medical conditions as presumptive to Agent Orange exposure for Vietnam-era Veterans - monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and hypertension. These are in addition to the existing conditions considered presumptive to Agent Orange exposure. For more information on Agent Orange exposure and VA disability compensation, please visit https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/. 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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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA presumes Veterans' early onset peripheral neuropathy is related to their exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during service when the disease appears within 1 year of exposure to a degree of at least 10 percent disabling by VA's rating regulations. You can learn more information about Agent Orange and peripheral neuropathy from VA's website: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/peripheral_neuropathy.asp
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I was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Do I qualify for disability benefits?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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/
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How does this impact those of us who have exposures to the exact same chemicals, but weren't in the areas outlined in the PACT Act?
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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
Anytime you believe that you have a medical condition that was caused by your exposure to military environmental exposures, including radiation, VA encourages you to file a claim. If you served in a location not identified in the PACT Act, entitlement to service-connected benefits may be established 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. VA encourages you to file a claim.
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I was a firefighter and stationed at Army airfields and structural and field Fire Stations between 10/1968 and 05/1975. We used a foam to extinguish fuel and electrical and aircraft and structural fires. This foam has been proven to cause cancer and law suits have been filed against the providers of this foam. They failed to explain the full ramifications of using the foam to the government.
In 2001 I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer of the larynx and my voice box was removed. I've been left with a stoma (trach) since. After surgery I had 31 daily radiation treatments and was told that the cancer was gone and would not spread again. I have had to take pain meds since because of the painful throbbing nerve that happened due to the surgery
It goes from my laryngectomy down my shoulder to my left arm. Also they removed half of my thyroid and I take meds for that.
It was only recently that the foam causes cancer. We used it to extinguish fire and for training purposes that were done once a month where diesel barrels were poured over a wrecked aircraft ( Huey) and set fire and we put it out. At that time we didn't even have the PPE protection that firefighters are issued today so we were at a much higher risk for getting wet with the foam . We were never told about the risks of using it. We poured 5 gallons cans into a special receptacle on the truck that would be mixed with the water in the truck. They told us it was animal blood and licorice because it stunk. We were responsible for fires off post if the local Fire department requested our help. So we sprayed the shit on their fires too
I was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood , Korea and Fort Carson Colorado.
We had training at the airfields and I'm sure it soaked in the ground and leached into the water we all used.
That's all I can think of to tell you other than I'm solicited to join a law suit alot but I'm 72 years old now and don't really give a shit but civilian and military firefighters have only recently stopped using it
Thanks for your time in reading this Jim Hunter
In 2001 I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer of the larynx and my voice box was removed. I've been left with a stoma (trach) since. After surgery I had 31 daily radiation treatments and was told that the cancer was gone and would not spread again. I have had to take pain meds since because of the painful throbbing nerve that happened due to the surgery
It goes from my laryngectomy down my shoulder to my left arm. Also they removed half of my thyroid and I take meds for that.
It was only recently that the foam causes cancer. We used it to extinguish fire and for training purposes that were done once a month where diesel barrels were poured over a wrecked aircraft ( Huey) and set fire and we put it out. At that time we didn't even have the PPE protection that firefighters are issued today so we were at a much higher risk for getting wet with the foam . We were never told about the risks of using it. We poured 5 gallons cans into a special receptacle on the truck that would be mixed with the water in the truck. They told us it was animal blood and licorice because it stunk. We were responsible for fires off post if the local Fire department requested our help. So we sprayed the shit on their fires too
I was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood , Korea and Fort Carson Colorado.
We had training at the airfields and I'm sure it soaked in the ground and leached into the water we all used.
That's all I can think of to tell you other than I'm solicited to join a law suit alot but I'm 72 years old now and don't really give a shit but civilian and military firefighters have only recently stopped using it
Thanks for your time in reading this Jim Hunter
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service to the Nation. VA is concerned about exposure to AFFF and other PFAS products. Additionally, VA is collaborating with other Federal agencies who are working on understanding the range of health effects and the significance of blood levels. You can find more information here: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/pfas.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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