Posted on Jul 13, 2014
SSG Jeremy Siebenaller
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Hey Ya'll!!!!
For a couple years now I have saw articles in the Army Times about how the VA is looking into soldiers stationed over seas by open burn pits (which I may be wrong about....but wasn't that all of them?!) I haven't really looked into it. So please don't tell me what a dick I am for not doing my own research. I am just looking into it for personal gain. Not to "up my rating". I Haven't and probably wouldn't have even thought about it until I saw all of the articles about it. I wouldn't have worried myself. However, the more that I think about it and the more that I play Football or Baseball or just genuinely try to "keep up" with my 4 year old little guy. I find myself wheezing. My head starts throbbing because I can't catch my breathe. I start getting all the signs of asthma.
The only problem is that I've never had asthma. I've never had any problems with breathing at all. I've never been a huge fan of running a bunch, or serious physical activity unless on a baseball diamond, wrestling mat, football field (my piont is that I have ALWAYS BEEN active). Now I know that I am getting older. I know that with time....I will slow down and things will get harder for me to do. I'm only 27 (28 in a couple days). I don't feel that I should be this slown down.
I'm trying to make sure that I am not missing something. If there is something I should be doing more proactive. Something that I should be concerned about in general. Do or have any of you been diagnosed with what ever bullshit it is that they say you can get by a burnpit? I was at FOB Rustimiyah for nearly 2 years, actually pulling guard on the trucks that take the trash TO the open burn pits, having to drive through them every single day one way or the other for 2 years.
Posted in these groups: Health2e209d1c Burn PitsA2eefb3b Healthcare
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Responses: 6
CPT Richard Riley
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I would suggest that you just have things checked out. Just because you've never had any asthma issues prior to now has nothing to do with the condition of your lungs and airway presently. Breathing in the results of the burn pits will affect everyone differently to say the least.
If you're seeing any type of issue related to stamina or breathing during exertion, do yourself a favor and have that looked into. Better to be told that it's just a temporary issue due to ???? than to be more serious and passed over because you just didn't want to hassle with having it checked out.
Do it for your little ones if you need some excuse to get motivated.
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SSG Jeremy Siebenaller
SSG Jeremy Siebenaller
10 y
Capt. Riley,
Indeed sir! Thank you for the nudge in the right direction. I know thats what I need to do and I DO plan on getting checked out. I'm just trying to see what other guys and gals are experiencing. I didn't and still don't think that I was "affected" by the pits. It's just a creepy feeling not really knowing.
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COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
10 y
SSG Jeremy Siebenaller, CPT Richard Riley is absolutely correct.

I'll be a bit more direct ... Call the VA and schedule your Gulf War Registry exam if you haven't (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/benefits/registry-exam.asp).

Note: If you try to sign-up for the Burn Pit Registry, it's very possible that you'll get a message saying you're not in the system ... just follow directions and call the people you need to.
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Maj Kim Patterson
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SSG Jeremy Siebenaller it might be too late.
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CWO3 Us Marine
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I ran across a former soldier at VA who has been through it and still battles "it" (whatever IT is). He shared his story and it is pretty bad. Small and large nerve cell damage and much more. He has lung, heart, and limb problems. Phantom pains and real pain in organs and limbs. The VA sent him to some research place in NJ, where they did a full workup. Not much is really known, and he felt that it may be being intentionally kept quiet. I hope you get the treatment you need. Be your best advocate and fight for help.
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