Burn Pits – Exposure While In Iraq and Afghanistan

Unfortunately for many veterans, burn pits may be the “Agent Orange” of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Open burn pits were used throughout Iraq and Afghanistan to dispose of all sorts of trash, including among other things, vehicles and human waste.  Many veterans and military contractors were repeatedly exposed to the smoke and other fumes from this burning.

Dr. Anthony Szema’s Testimony About Burn Pits

The Veterans Administration has taken the position that there is insufficient evidence to show that there is any long term harm from this exposure.  However, Dr. Anthony Szema has testified that the materials being burned have been linked to a whole host of medical problems including neurological, reproductive and immune system disorders, liver and kidney diseases, and certain types of cancer.  Dr. Szema also mentioned that he noticed a trend in his practice of younger veterans developing “a variety of respiratory illnesses”.  You can read some of Dr. Szema’s testimony before the Senate Democratic Policy Committee here.

No Current Presumptions About Burn Pit Related Disabilities

When they file for disability compensation benefits, veterans who served in Vietnam receive a presumption that they were exposed to Agent Orange and that certain medical conditions were caused by Agent Orange exposure.  The same is true for individuals who served in Iraq and Afghanistan who develop certain medical conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome, certain gastrointestinal disorders, and figbromyalgia among others.  However, there are currently no presumptions for individuals who develop conditions as a result of exposure to smoke and fumes from burn pits.

Proving A Disability Related To Burn Pit Exposure

The lack of a presumption does not mean that you cannot receive disability compensation benefits for a medical condition developed as a result of burn pit exposure.  Instead, it just means that you will have to demonstrate a nexus between your service-connected exposure and the disabling medical condition.   Our firm handles applications for disability compensation benefits for veterans and appeals for the denials of those applications.  If you would like a free consultation with one of our attorneys accredited to represent veterans in disability compensation claims, simply complete the “Need Help” form on this page or call the phone number on the right side of this page.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims.  He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

Couldn’t be happier with the service they provided me. After so much time spent working with the VA to grant me disability for my service connected disabilities I was denied. Exhausted with the process and ready to give up a friend recommended this firm to assist me with an appeal. They handled all of it, keeping me updated regularly on progress, and eventually getting me the disability rating that was due. This was the happiest I’ve been to pay an invoice for services received.Kendall Lucy
100 % recomendable, in my humble opinion they are the best. I am very grateful with their assistance in filling my claim with the VA and winning They have done an outstanding job. They are professional ThanksFrancisco Javier Pérez A
They assessed my case as being potentially tdiu qualified and got to work right away. I only provided the information they asked me for and let them do their work. I didn’t hound them, I didn’t pester them, I just let them do their work and provided what they asked for and trusted the process. Within a few months or so I was awarded a tdiu rating. In my case I’m a combat vet of oef, but the Va had denied me twice for a benefit that I know I qualified for. The Perkins-studdard firm got the the benefit I deserved and I am eternally grateful for their expertise and hard work.M C
Jason provided provided outstanding counsel and support. His communication was exemplary, with prompt and informative responses to all my inquiries. The entire team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring, transforming a potentially stressful experience into a positive one. I cannot recommend their services highly enough. Thanks Jason!Cody
I saw Travis on some YouTube videos. It was the way he worded things, I just felt compelled to contact them about my situation, he seemed trustworthy. Travis told me he thought he could help me. I was hesitant, but proceeded. The claim process was long, but my claim was granted. They are organized and punctual. Jessica and Travis are a strong team. I feel the Lord led me to Perkins & Studdard. I consider Travis an advocate and friend. ThanksCorby Reese
It has been a pleasure working with Jason and firm, very knowledgeable and professional, He did awesome job to get settlement that I need for my workmen comp case which was fair in my case, cause the insurance company was trying low ball me and not give me nothing but Jason fix that ….I truly recommend Perkins&studdard any workmen comp case that you have and also want thank Tina also for helping me along this process Thank you Perkins&studdardjahbari swint
Thank you Jason and Tina for everything you've done. Much appreciated. Great law firm! Great results!! Thank you!!! (Austin and Valerie)Valerie Mellinger
Travis and the team working on my VA claim are awesome. I’m happy with their integrity and diligence on working on my claim.Chris “Greybeard” Mullennix
I can't express enough how great it was to work with Perkins Studdard. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional and keep you aware of everything happening with your case. Very friendly from the front office to Mr. Perkins. I would HIGHLY recommend Perkins Studdard!James Strickland
I recommend Travis for an Veteran that has been dealing with constant denial with claims. He also , cover cost for my nexus letter when I ran into financial troubles , that helped me win my case.edwin Cook

Related Posts

Contrast:

Font Size: