Burn Pit Exposure
Burn Pit Exposure and VA Disability Claims
Post-9/11 and Gulf War-era veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits for a growing list of conditions linked to burn pit and airborne hazard exposure.
Veterans who served in Southwest Asia, Afghanistan, Djibouti, and other qualifying locations after August 2, 1990 or September 11, 2001 may have presumptive eligibility for burn pit-related conditions including respiratory illnesses, cancers, and newly added conditions as of January 2025.
What are burn pits and why they matter for VA claims
Burn pits were open-air sites used to incinerate military and base waste in deployment zones. Smoke from these pits exposed troops to a complex mix of toxins, including particulates, dioxins, and volatile organic compounds, now linked to a range of respiratory conditions and cancers. These conditions are recognized as presumptive conditions under the PACT Act, meaning the VA assumes a service connection without requiring a separate nexus opinion. Not sure if you qualify? Take our PACT Act eligibility check.
Qualifying service locations and time periods
Qualifying locations currently include Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and the airspace above. Time periods generally begin August 2, 1990 (Gulf War theatre) and September 11, 2001 (post-9/11 theatre). For the authoritative list, see VA.gov/PACT.
Current burn pit presumptive conditions
- Asthma diagnosed after service
- Chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Constrictive or obliterative bronchiolitis
- Chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis
- Glioblastoma and other brain cancers
- Head and neck cancers of any type
- Respiratory cancers (lung, larynx, trachea)
- Reproductive cancers
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Genitourinary cancers (including January 2025 additions: urethral cancer and others)
- Leukemias, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome (added January 2025)
- Myelofibrosis (added January 2025)
The VA continues to add presumptive conditions through rulemaking. Check VA.gov/PACT for the current list before relying on this page.
What if your condition isn't presumptive?
Conditions outside the presumptive list may still be service-connected through a Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA) review and a strong medical nexus. Cross & York can help veterans understand how to develop this evidence. See our evidence support page.
Claim denied or delayed?
A denial isn't the end. Under the AMA, you can pursue a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board appeal. Read more on VA claim denial options.
Start your free case evaluation or call (202) 934-2954.
Frequently asked questions
What are burn pits?
Burn pits were open-air sites used by U.S. military forces to dispose of waste, including plastics, medical waste, fuel, and electronics, by burning. They were used extensively in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other deployment locations.
Which veterans may qualify for burn pit presumptions?
Eligibility generally depends on service in a qualifying location during a qualifying period and a diagnosed condition on VA's current presumptive list.
Does joining the burn pit registry file a disability claim?
No. Registry participation and VA disability compensation are separate. A veteran must file a disability claim to seek compensation.
Last reviewed by Cross & York Editorial Team. Content reviewed against VA.gov and Federal Register sources.