For decades, U.S. military personnel stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones were exposed to open-air burn pits—massive fires used to dispose of everything from plastics to medical waste. The smoke and fumes from these burn pits have been linked to a wide range of serious health problems, many of which were not recognized until years after deployment.
Today, thanks to the Honoring Our PACT Act, thousands of veterans now have the legal right to pursue VA compensation for burn pit-related illnesses. But eligibility rules, timelines, and medical requirements can be complex.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about burn pit exposure claims in 2025: who qualifies, what conditions are covered, and how to file.
What Are Military Burn Pits?
Burn pits are large, open areas used by the U.S. military to incinerate waste on military bases in deployed regions—particularly in Iraq, Afghanistan, and parts of Africa. These pits burned:
- Plastics and styrofoam
- Chemicals and solvents
- Paints and fuels
- Ammunition and human waste
- Medical and food waste
- Electronics and vehicle parts
This process released dangerous toxins into the air, including dioxins, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals. Soldiers living and working near burn pits often inhaled these substances daily—sometimes for months or years.
Health Effects of Burn Pit Exposure
Inhaling toxic smoke from burn pits can damage virtually every system in the body. Commonly reported health issues include:
- Respiratory problems: Asthma, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis
- Lung diseases: Interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary fibrosis
- Cancers: Brain cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, lymphoma
- Neurological disorders: Migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: IBS, acid reflux, abdominal pain
- Skin and eye irritation: Rash, redness, burning eyes
Many symptoms may appear years after deployment, making diagnosis and documentation especially important when applying for VA benefits.
What Is the PACT Act?
Signed into law in August 2022, the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is one of the most significant VA reforms in recent history. It:
- Expands healthcare and benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances
- Adds over 20 presumptive conditions tied to burn pit exposure
- Streamlines the VA claims process for affected veterans
- Allocates funding for medical research and outreach
Under the PACT Act, the VA now presumes that certain illnesses were caused by burn pit exposure—making it easier for veterans to receive compensation.
Presumptive Conditions Linked to Burn Pits
If you served in a qualifying location and developed one of the following presumptive conditions, you may be automatically eligible for VA compensation:
Cancers:
- Brain cancer
- Glioblastoma
- Kidney cancer
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Lung cancer
- Neck cancer
- Reproductive cancers (prostate, ovarian)
Respiratory Illnesses:
- Asthma (diagnosed after service)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic rhinitis
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Chronic sinusitis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Pleuritis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
You don’t need to prove a direct link between your condition and your military service—if you served in an eligible location and time period, the VA assumes the connection.
Eligible Service Locations and Dates
To qualify under the PACT Act’s presumptive guidelines, you must have served in one of these locations:
| Region | Eligible Dates |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Sept. 19, 2001 – present |
| Iraq | Aug. 2, 1990 – present |
| Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE | Aug. 2, 1990 – present |
| Somalia, Djibouti, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan | Post-9/11 deployments |
This includes service members from all branches, including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and National Guard.
Who Can File a Burn Pit Exposure Claim?
You may be eligible to file a VA claim if:
- You were deployed to an eligible location during the specified time.
- You were exposed to burn pit smoke or airborne hazards.
- You have a diagnosed medical condition, especially one on the VA’s presumptive list.
- You were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Surviving family members (spouse, children, or dependents) may also file VA survivor claims or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if a veteran died from a qualifying condition.
How to File a Burn Pit Exposure Claim with the VA
Step 1: Gather Your Records
Collect:
- Military service records showing deployment
- Medical records with diagnosis and treatment history
- Any lay statements from fellow veterans or family describing symptoms
Step 2: Apply Online or In-Person
You can file your claim via:
- The VA.gov claims portal
- A VA Regional Office
- A certified Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free help
Step 3: VA Review and C&P Exam
Once submitted, the VA may:
- Review your service records
- Schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess your condition
- Issue a decision (approval, denial, or request for more info)
The process may take several months, but claims under the PACT Act are receiving priority processing.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If your claim is approved, VA compensation is tax-free and may include:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Disability Pay | Based on your VA disability rating (10%–100%) |
| Free VA Healthcare | Coverage for service-connected conditions and more |
| Back Pay | Retroactive payments from the date of your application |
| Dependent Benefits | Additional payments for a spouse or dependent children |
| Survivor Benefits | For family members if the veteran has passed away |
As of 2025, the maximum monthly benefit for a 100% disabled veteran with dependents is over $3,800 per month.
Appeals: What If You’re Denied?
If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You can:
- File a Supplemental Claim with new evidence
- Request a Higher-Level Review
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Consider working with an accredited VSO or attorney experienced in burn pit claims to strengthen your appeal.
Final Thoughts
Burn pit exposure is one of the most serious health hazards veterans face from recent conflicts—and many paid the price long after coming home. With the passage of the PACT Act, the VA finally recognizes the connection and is expanding support.
If you believe your illness may be tied to toxic exposure during military service, now is the time to act. Whether you’re filing your first claim or reapplying after a denial, understanding your rights is the first step toward justice and care.