Burn Pit Registry

Definition

The Burn Pit Registry, officially known as the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, is a database maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is designed to track and monitor the health of service members and veterans who may have been exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and pollutants due to open burn pit operations during their deployment. The registry also serves as a platform for the collection of data to support future research and understand the potential long-term health effects of these exposures.

Key Takeaways

1. The Burn Pit Registry is an online resource created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help veterans and service members document their exposure to potentially harmful environmental hazards such as burn pits during their military service.
2. Eligible participants include those who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Djibouti, Africa, or the Southwest Asia theater of operations after August 2, 1990. This helps the VA better understand the long-term health effects of burn pit exposure on veterans and improve healthcare and support services.
3. Although enrollment in the Burn Pit Registry does not guarantee access to healthcare or disability benefits, it is an essential step for veterans to record their exposure and access important information and updates about related studies, treatments, and benefits available to those affected by burn pit hazards.

Importance

The Burn Pit Registry is a crucial term in the context of VA benefits, as it refers to a resource created to gather health information from veterans and service members who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from burn pits during their military service.

Burn pits were commonly used during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to dispose of waste materials.

Inclusion in the Burn Pit Registry helps veterans document their exposure, monitor their health for any related illnesses, access specialized healthcare, and contribute to research aimed at improving the understanding of the potential long-term effects of burn pit exposure.

It also assists the Department of Veterans Affairs in developing policies and providing care and benefits to those affected by this exposure, underscoring its importance in safeguarding the well-being of former service members.

Explanation

The Burn Pit Registry is an essential tool created to better understand the potential health effects faced by military personnel exposed to burn pits during their deployments. Burn pits were a common method for waste disposal across military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, wherein waste materials, including plastics, medical waste, and hazardous materials were burned in open-air pits.

The smoke and particles released from these pits led to alarming health concerns among veterans. The registry’s primary purpose is to collect data on the individuals exposed, their health status, and the potentially debilitating conditions caused by exposure, in order to facilitate research and inform policy decisions surrounding veteran healthcare and resources.

By enrolling in the Burn Pit Registry, eligible veterans and service members contribute to the ongoing research and help raise awareness about the health effects of burn pit exposure. Participating in the registry allows them to document their exposure and any associated health concerns, which may be beneficial while seeking medical care and disability benefits.

Additionally, it offers an opportunity to be notified of any follow-up medical evaluations or new treatment options related to service-related health conditions. Through this registry, the Department of Veterans Affairs aims to improve healthcare services for affected veterans and ensure a greater understanding of this crucial issue, ultimately promoting the well-being and long-term health of those who have bravely served their country.

Examples of Burn Pit Registry

The Burn Pit Registry is a U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiative that aims to understand potential health risks and monitor health-related issues experienced by veterans and service members who were exposed to burn pits during their military service. Here are three real-world examples related to the Burn Pit Registry:

KBR’s Balad Burn Pit in Iraq: The Balad burn pit in Iraq was a 10-acre waste disposal site operated by military contractor Kellogg, Brown, and Root (KBR). The pit burned waste materials including plastics, medical waste, and chemicals continuously for years, causing exposure to service members. Veterans and active-duty personnel stationed at Joint Base Balad reported various health issues related to burn pit smoke exposure. Balad burn pit is one of the high-profile cases that led to the creation of the Burn Pit Registry in

Veterans’ Advocacy: Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have reported experiencing respiratory issues, chronic illnesses, and even rare cancers due to their exposure to burn pits during their service. Many veterans, along with organizations such as the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and Burn Pits 360, are advocating for proper healthcare and compensation for affected veterans. These advocacy efforts have increased awareness about the Burn Pit Registry’s significance and its role in addressing service-connected health problems.

The Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act: In 2018, the “Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act” was signed into law by President Trump. The Act expands the Burn Pit Registry by establishing a “Center of Excellence in the Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Health Conditions relating to exposure to burn pits and other environmental exposures.” This initiative aims to promote research and improve healthcare outcomes for veterans affected by burn pits.

FAQ – Burn Pit Registry

What is the Burn Pit Registry?

The Burn Pit Registry is a voluntary registry designed to aid the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in studying and monitoring the health effects of exposure to toxins from burn pits and other airborne hazards during military service.

Who is eligible to participate in the Burn Pit Registry?

United States Veterans and active-duty service members who served in eligible locations such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions during specified time periods are eligible to participate. A complete list of eligible locations and time periods can be found on the VA’s Burn Pit Registry website.

How can I enroll in the Burn Pit Registry?

To enroll in the Burn Pit Registry, visit the VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry website and follow the instructions. You will need your Department of Defense Self-Service (DS) Logon credentials to access the registry questionnaire and complete the process.

Will enrolling in the Burn Pit Registry affect my VA benefits?

No, your participation in the Burn Pit Registry will not affect your VA benefits. The purpose of the registry is to collect information for research and to help improve the understanding of potential health effects related to burn pit exposure. Your participation helps the VA better serve you and other Veterans.

What if I need assistance during the enrollment process?

If you need assistance during the enrollment process, or if you are experiencing technical difficulties, contact the Registry Help Desk at 1-877-470-5947. The help desk is available from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

After enrolling, what should I expect from the Burn Pit Registry?

Upon successful enrolment, you will receive a confirmation email. The VA may also invite you to participate in health assessments, share important updates about the Burn Pit Registry, and contact you about relevant research studies. As a participant, you can also access your records and view your Burn Pit Registry health assessments online.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
• Post-9/11 exposure to toxic substances
• Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit (AHOBP) questionnaire
• Long-term health effects from burn pit exposure
• Eligibility for burn pit-related healthcare assistance

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• VA Office of Public Health
• Disabled American Veterans
• American Lung Association