Definition
The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is a database established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and service members. It aims to document their exposure to potentially harmful airborne hazards, including open burn pits, during their military service. By participating in the registry, eligible individuals can document their experiences and contribute to improving healthcare, understanding, and awareness of health issues related to airborne hazards and burn pit exposures.
Key Takeaways
- The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is a database created by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to track the potential health effects of exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and particulates experienced by service members and veterans.
- Eligibility for the registry includes veterans and active-duty service members who served in specific locations, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas during specific time frames, as determined by the VA.
- Participation in the registry allows veterans to document their exposures and report health concerns, which assists the VA in understanding the impact of these exposures and provides valuable information for improving healthcare services and benefits for those affected.
Importance
The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is important because it enables eligible veterans and service members to document their exposures to potentially harmful environmental conditions during their military service.
The registry helps in raising awareness and understanding of health concerns related to airborne hazards and burn pits, thus allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to monitor and research the long-term health effects of these exposures.
By participating in the registry, veterans and service members can potentially receive medical examinations, identify health issues, and access crucial medical benefits and programs related to their military service.
Ultimately, this registry is vital in providing necessary care and support to the affected veterans while driving continuous improvements in healthcare policies and VA services.
Explanation
The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry serves a crucial purpose for veterans and service members who were exposed to potentially harmful airborne contaminants and open burn pits during their deployments. This registry was established to document the health concerns related to exposure and create a comprehensive database to facilitate research, monitoring, and evaluation of the long-term health effects associated with such exposures.
By participating in the registry, eligible veterans and service members contribute valuable information that may ultimately lead to improving the understanding, prevention, and treatment of health conditions resulting from exposure to airborne hazards in the military. Apart from being a powerful tool for research, the registry provides a platform for participating veterans and service members to stay informed about health-related studies, resources, and policies pertaining to airborne hazard exposures.
The registry also helps them to access specific health evaluations and care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Participants can report their exposures and associated health concerns, enabling VA healthcare providers to better understand their individual health needs and provide appropriate care. Overall, the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry plays an essential role in improving healthcare outcomes for veterans and service members by promoting awareness, research, and targeted care initiatives related to airborne hazards exposure.
Examples of Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
Balad Air Base, Iraq: During the Iraq War, Balad Air Base operated one of the largest open burn pits, where a wide variety of waste materials were burned, including plastics, medical waste, and even human body parts. With heavy security concerns and a lack of municipal waste management infrastructure, the U.S. military relied on burn pits to dispose of trash generated in the base. Veterans who served at Balad Air Base were exposed to airborne hazards from the smoke emanating from the open burn pit, which potentially resulted in several health issues, including respiratory problems and cancers.
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan: Another example of a location where open burn pit registry applies is Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. The base, which was used extensively during Operation Enduring Freedom, was known to employ burn pits to dispose of waste materials, such as tires, batteries, and chemical containers. Veterans who served at Bagram Airfield reported similar health problems to those who experienced burn pit exposure in Iraq. They, too, are eligible to enroll in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to report their potential exposure and related health concerns.
Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan: Camp Leatherneck, a former U.S. Marine Corps base in Afghanistan, also used open burn pits to dispose of waste during its active years. The burn pits were assumed to have released hazardous chemicals, particulate matter, and other airborne hazards, posing potential risks to veterans who served at the base. The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry enables these veterans to document their exposure and health outcomes, contributing to a broader understanding of the risks associated with burn pit exposure and facilitating access to potential treatment plans and benefits.
Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry FAQ
What is the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry?
The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is a database of information gathered from eligible Veterans and service members who have been exposed to airborne hazards, including open burn pits, during their service. These individuals have the option to voluntarily participate in the registry to help the VA better understand and address health concerns related to airborne hazard exposure.
Who is eligible to participate in the Registry?
Veterans and service members who served in eligible locations, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, and other areas in the Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990, as well as operations in the U.S. and other locations may be eligible to participate. Please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for a complete list of eligible locations and service periods.
How do I join the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry?
To join the Registry, you will need a DS Logon Level 2 (Premium) account. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website and follow the instructions provided to sign up for the account. Once you have an account, you can access the online questionnaire and complete it to participate in the Registry.
What happens after I complete the questionnaire?
After completing the questionnaire, your information will be added to the Registry. You will have the option to schedule a free medical evaluation with a VA provider to discuss any health concerns related to airborne hazard exposure. Participating in the Registry does not automatically enroll you in VA health care; you will need to apply separately for VA health care benefits.
Will participating in the Registry impact my disability claims or benefits?
Participation in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry will not affect any disability claims or benefits you may be eligible for. The information provided to the Registry is separate from the disability claims process and is used to help the VA better understand and address health issues related to airborne hazard exposure.
How can I learn more about the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry?
For more information about the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website or contact the VA at 1-877-222-8387.
Related VA Benefit Terms
- Airborne Hazards Exposure
- Burn Pit-related Illnesses
- Environmental Health Registry
- Respiratory Health Effects
- Post-Deployment Health Assessment
Sources for More Information
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The official website of the VA providing information about various benefits and programs including the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.
- VA Public Health: A dedicated section within the VA website focusing specifically on healthcare and health issues affecting veterans, including environmental exposures such as airborne hazards and open burn pits.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): A nonprofit organization that advocates for veteran benefits and support, and provides news and information related to veterans’ health, including the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV): A national organization dedicated to empowering veterans, their families, and survivors, and offers resources and information about VA benefits, including the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.