Exposure to incinerators during military service has raised serious health concerns among veterans and active-duty military personnel.
VA is aware of these concerns and has established processes to address them, including the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.
Understanding Burn Pits and Their Health Effects
Incineration pits were commonly used at military facilities in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan to dispose of waste.
A variety of waste materials were incinerated in these open-air pits, including chemicals, plastics and medical waste.
The smoke from these tunnels contained toxic substances that could affect the skin, eyes, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and internal organs.
While many effects are temporary, prolonged exposure can lead to long-term health problems, especially for people with underlying conditions such as asthma.
VA’s response to incinerator victims
In June 2014, the VA launched the Airborne Hazardous Materials and Open Burn Pit Registry.
The registry allows veterans and active duty military members to report exposure to incinerators and other airborne hazards, raising awareness of health conditions and aiding in research.
Participation is voluntary and does not affect access to VA health care or compensation benefits.
The registry can help record health concerns and exposure history and guide discussions with health care providers.
Although there is insufficient conclusive research to show a link between burn pit exposure and long-term health problems, the VA continues to study the health of affected veterans.
The VA does not have a standard disability rating for exposure to burn pits.
Instead, assessments are based on individual medical symptoms and their impact on ability to work.
Ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings resulting in greater rewards.
Cancer: Scored 100% during activity and for 6 months after treatment, then rated for residual disease. Asthma: Scored based on spirometry tests (FEV-1 and FCV), emergency room visits, and required medications. Bronchitis and bronchiolitis: Scored based on frequency and severity of disabling episodes. COPD and emphysema: Scored using spirometry tests (FEV-1 and FCV). Granulomatous rhinitis: Scored 20% for diagnosed infections, 100% for Wegener’s granulomatosis. Interstitial lung disease: Scored using exercise and breathing tests, and automatically rated 100% if oxygen is required at home. Pleurisy and related conditions: Scored 100% during activity, otherwise rated using a common breath test. Rhinitis and sinusitis: Scored based on presence and chronicity of polyps. Sarcoidosis: Assess using breath tests or specific schedules, whichever is higher.
VA Disability Compensation Related to Incineration Pits
If a veteran has more than one disability, the VA uses a composite rating table to calculate an overall disability rating.
Tools and resources are available to help veterans understand their overall rating and compensation rates.
Veterans who received a burn pit assessment with 100% disability will receive $3,621 per month in 2023 (minimum).
The compensation rates below are from the VA’s 2023 Disability Compensation Rate Tables.
30% at $165.9240% at $731.8650% at $1,041.8260% at $1,319.6570% at $1,663.0680% at $1,933.1590% at $2,172.39
In addition to standard monthly compensation, veterans can receive additional compensation for dependents and for spouses providing in-home care.
In cases of severe disability, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is available, and veterans can apply for Totally Disabled Individual Unemployment Compensation (TDIU) if they are unable to work due to their disability.