Iraq and Afghanistan

  Burn pits were commonly used by the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan to burn and dispose of a wide array of materials, including chemicals, paint, medical waste, human waste, plastics, rubber, metals, ammunition, and petroleum. The burn pits emitted toxic fumes into the air that resulted in illness and medical conditions among veterans and contractors, especially once they returned to civilian life. Veterans and others continue to suffer from severe breathing problems, neurological conditions, immune system deterioration, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and sleep disorders.  

 The Veterans Compensation Group will manage the submission of applications by veterans and others affected by burn pits for benefits from the VA. The PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, significantly expands the availability of benefits and compensation for individuals impacted by exposure to toxic and dangerous chemicals from burn pits.