New Law Creates Veterans Burn Pit Registry

A newly signed law calls for the formation of a military burn pit registry by the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) for troops and veterans who lived and worked near open-air pits used to dispose waste in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other overseas military facilities.

The Army Times reports President Obama last week signed into law the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans Benefits Improvement Act, S. 3202, which seeks to identify the number of veterans who likely inhaled burn-pit smoke. The military burn pit registry means the VA can track the medical histories of service personnel who were exposed and inform them about new treatments for associated conditions.

On military bases (including Balad Air Force Base in Iraq and Bagram Airfield Base in Afghanistan) highly toxic chemicals, unexploded ordnance, and other debris were often burned in open pits. Some military personnel who lived or worked on or near those and other bases developed serious health problems due to their exposure to the toxic smoke from military burn pits.

Troops deployed to support contingency operations and those that were stationed at a location, where an open-air burn pit was used, will be eligible to register. The law has been hailed by veterans’ advocacy groups and families of service members, reports the Army Times.

If you or a loved one has experienced a burn pit injury, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if burn pit lawyer may be able to help you.

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