VA Presumptive Conditions Connected To Particulate Matter
The Department of Veteran Affairs has recognized three respiratory conditions —asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis— as presumptive conditions in relation to particulate matter pollution for vets who served in Southwest Asia and other specific regions. Nationwide VA attorney Brendan Garcia explains the impact this change has on veterans’ disability claims.
Expanding The List of Presumptive Conditions
After a newly formed internal VA process was conducted to review scientific evidence, the proceeding recommendations were to add presumptions of service connection for some chronic respiratory conditions.
Asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis are now identified as presumptive conditions.
The VA’s review concluded that there was sufficient evidence to presume exposure to particulate matter with these veterans:
- Veterans who served after August 02, 1990, in Southwest Asia
- Veterans who served after September 19, 2001, in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria, or Djibouti
Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, says, “Through this process, I determined that the evidence provided was sufficient to establish presumptions of service connection for these three respiratory conditions. This is the right decision, and VA will continue to use a holistic approach in determining toxic exposure presumptives moving forward.”
Sources of Particulate Matter Pollution
Particulate matter in the air can be present for many reasons. The causes can be either man-made or naturally occurring causes of this pollution. For veterans, there are a few common sources of exposure:
Oil Well Fires – During the Gulf War, hundreds of oil wells were set on fire. Toxic black smoke filled the region polluting the air, water, and food sources.
Burn Pits – The military often used burn pits to dispose of waste that releases harmful substances into the air. This threatened military personnel who were nearby or downwind.
Sandstorms – In Southwest Asia, particulate matter is significantly higher because of the dry, desert environments.
Health Risks
In particulate matter pollution – Small particles enter through the airways that can spread to other parts of the body (i.e., lungs, heart.) These particles carry toxins that are difficult for a body to filter out completely. They can affect several different body systems and cause serious health problems:
- Respiratory
- Auto-Immune
- Cardiovascular
- Neurological
- Epidermal
- & more
The impacts of particulate matter pollution are virtually incalculable. Recognizing asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis as disabilities caused by toxic particulate matter is another step in the right direction.
What if a service-connected disability is NOT a presumptive condition?
As you can see… there are A LOT of other conditions that can be caused by particulate matter exposure. Many of them are not related to the chronic respiratory conditions that are now presumptive.
Since the VA has conceded that all Gulf vets were presumptively exposed to particulate matter pollution, veterans now have greater leverage when applying for benefits —even if it’s not a presumptive condition.
What Vets Can Do
It’s finally been acknowledged that particulate matter pollution was not only present during service, but that it can lead to serious chronic conditions that show up later in life. However, you may still be having trouble getting a VA rating for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or asthma.
Whether or not your disability is a presumptive condition —if you’re living with a disability, you are entitled to benefits for your time spent in service. Look for an experienced veterans claims lawyer to help you.
VetLaw helps veterans nationwide appeal denied claims and earn the highest disability rating. Contact us today at (855) 795-0281, then schedule a free consultation with our team.
