Burn pits have been frequently used during the Global War on Terror. Afghanistan and Iraq are two of many countries that are home to burn pits. Burn pits have also been used in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other locations since 2001. However, many have been closed out as they have been found to be associated with different cancers and other presumptive conditions. This guide will inform you on everything you need to know about presumptive conditions related to burn pits and whether hiring burn pits exposure lawyers is necessary.
Burn Pits Defined
Burn pits are known as open areas in the ground that military personnel would use to eliminate on-site waste. Some burn pits were as big as a football field. There are others that may have covered multiple acres of land.
There were different types of waste burned in certain areas such as:
- Chemicals
- Food
- Paint
- Rubber
- Metal
- Wood
- Plastics
- Medical and human waste
- Aluminum cans
- Lubricants and petroleum
But, during the burning of these materials, hazardous chemicals were released into the air that resulted in long-term health issues.
Presumptive Conditions Related to Burn Pits
There are many conditions related to burn pit exposure. If you have been recently diagnosed with any of the below presumptive health conditions, there is no need to prove the relation between your military service and health condition in order to qualify for compensation.
There are at least 23 medical conditions associated with burn pits. The first three that were added by the VA were rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma. However, this list soon expanded as of August 2021.
The following is a list of all presumptive conditions related to burn pit exposure:
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Respiratory cancer
- Neck cancer
- Head cancer
- COPD
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Chronic rhinitis
- Kidney cancer
- Brain cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Glioblastoma
- Melanoma
- Lymphoma cancer
- Reproductive cancer
- Chronic sinusitis
- Emphysema
- Constrictive or obliterative bronchiolitis
- Granulomatous disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pleuritis
- Interstitial lung disease
Depending on where military vets served has an impact on their eligibility for disability benefits in relation to burn pit exposure.
Burn Pits & Cancer
Respiratory Cancers
As mentioned earlier, there are many respiratory cancers that have been linked to burn pit exposure. These types of cancers are considered rare. Respiratory cancers are typically accompanied by chest pain, cough, shortness and breath, and other symptoms.
For those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, individuals rarely experience any symptoms early on.
Non-Respiratory Cancers
The VA treats all types of non-respiratory cancers the same way, although the majority of them may be rated using a particular diagnostic code. All cancers are given a rating 0f 100%. This rating will remain as is until six months following the ending of treatment. During this time, the veteran will have his or her condition evaluated. A new VA rating will then be assigned.
Can an Attorney Help?
You may qualify to receive compensation via a burn pit exposure lawsuit. The best way to determine your eligibility is by contacting a personal injury lawyer. Legal claims and VA disability benefits are not the same. You can only receive non-economic damages by filing a lawsuit.
However, in order to make a successful claim, you must be able to show proof of your current disability or health condition. Exposure without a current illness or disease will not result in compensation. Just because you operated a burn pit during your time in service doesn’t automatically qualify you for compensation. Your disability must be directly related to burn pit exposure.
You will receive compensation for any losses that you sustained in relation to the burn pit exposure and injuries.
Ensuring that you hire the right attorney is critical. Your attorney can also help you gather evidence that will help build a strong case. Your attorney will also assess any losses that you have suffered as result of lost wages and medical expenses.
