The military used burn pits throughout the Middle East and Central Asia to dispose of waste during combat operations. These large, open-air fires were once common, and their long-term effects are now impossible to ignore. If you served near a burn pit and are now dealing with chronic health problems, you may be experiencing symptoms tied to toxic exposure. Knowing what to watch for can help support your VA claim and connect your health problems to your time in service.
What Are Burn Pits and Why Are They Harmful?
Burn pits were often used on military bases to destroy everything from plastics and metals to human waste, chemicals, and paint. When these materials burned, they released toxic smoke and chemicals into the air. Service members who lived or worked near these pits—sometimes for months or years—breathed in the contaminated air daily.
Exposure to military waste fires can lead to many health issues that take time to appear. These illnesses have become a major focus of recent legislation, especially the PACT Act, which expanded the list of presumptive conditions related to airborne hazard exposure.
While the Department of Defense has now phased out burn pits, thousands of veterans are left with long-term damage. Understanding how burn pit exposure affects your body is the first step toward getting help.
Common Symptoms Linked to Burn Pit Exposure
Veterans exposed to burn pits may experience a variety of symptoms, depending on the level and length of exposure. Some health issues show up quickly, while others develop years later. These delayed symptoms can make it harder to connect your illness to your time in service, especially if you are missing medical documentation from deployment.
Here are some of the most frequently reported burn pit exposure symptoms:
Chronic Cough and Breathing Issues
Many veterans develop chronic respiratory issues, such as persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. These issues often resemble asthma or bronchitis but may not respond to standard treatments. Over time, they can progress into more serious lung diseases.
In some cases, veterans have been diagnosed with constrictive bronchiolitis—a rare lung condition linked to toxic smoke health effects that is difficult to detect without a biopsy.
Sinusitis and Frequent Infections
Long-term sinus inflammation, frequent sinus infections, and post-nasal drip are all signs of upper respiratory tract damage. If you never had sinus problems before your deployment, this shift in health could point to chemical exposure and breathing issues from burn pits.
Fatigue and Brain Fog
Exposure to airborne toxins has been tied to ongoing fatigue and concentration problems. Veterans often describe brain fog, low energy, and memory lapses that interfere with daily life. These vague symptoms are sometimes dismissed, but they may reflect more serious toxic exposure damage.
Headaches and Dizziness
Persistent headaches and dizziness may be tied to inflammation or neurological effects from exposure. Some veterans also report vision changes or light sensitivity, making working or driving difficult.
Skin Conditions and Rashes
If you developed strange rashes or unexplained skin problems after deployment, they could stem from contact with toxic particles. This can also include dryness, itching, or peeling skin that doesn’t respond well to treatment.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Some veterans develop long-term GI problems—bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits—after burn pit exposure. These symptoms may be connected to internal inflammation or damage to gut bacteria.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and served in a qualifying location during a qualifying time, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The VA has published a list of presumptive conditions to simplify the claims process for affected veterans.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Symptoms
If you think your health issues are linked to burn pit exposure, it is important to take the right steps quickly. You do not need a diagnosis before filing a claim, but the stronger your documentation, the better your chances of success.
Get a Medical Evaluation
Start by scheduling an exam with a VA or private physician. Be honest about your deployment history and all your symptoms—even those that seem minor or unrelated. Mention your time near burn pits and any chemical exposure or breathing issues you experienced during service.
If you already have a diagnosis, ask your doctor whether it could be related to airborne hazard exposure. A written opinion connecting your illness to service (called a nexus letter) can significantly improve your VA claim.
Apply Under the PACT Act
The PACT Act makes it easier to qualify for VA disability benefits by adding dozens of presumptive conditions tied to toxic exposure. This means you do not have to prove your illness was caused by service; you must meet the basic service and diagnosis requirements.
The act also expanded the list of eligible locations and timeframes, making more veterans eligible for benefits.
File Your VA Disability Claim
To get started, gather your military records, deployment dates, medical records, and any lay statements from fellow service members or family members who witnessed your symptoms. Then file your claim through the VA portal or with help from a law firm focusing solely on veteran disability claims.
Seek Legal Guidance If Needed
If your claim is denied—or if you are overwhelmed by the process—reach out for legal support. An experienced veterans’ disability attorney can walk you through the paperwork, help you build medical evidence, and challenge unfair decisions.
Taking action now can make all the difference in getting the benefits you’ve earned and the care you need.
Do Not Wait to Get the Help You Need
Burn pit exposure symptoms can disrupt your life years after you leave active duty. If you are suffering from unexplained illnesses or chronic issues tied to your service, you do not have to navigate the system alone.
VetLaw helps veterans nationwide file strong, evidence-backed VA claims tied to toxic exposure. Our legal team focuses only on veterans’ disability law. Whether you file a first-time claim or appeal a denial, we are here to help.
To speak with an attorney or learn more about toxic exposure claims, call (336) 355-8387 or complete our contact form. Let’s get your story heard and work to secure the benefits you need.
