VA BURN PIT REGISTRY EXPANSION IS IMPROVING HEALTHCARE FOR VETS
Congress created the VA burn pit registry in 2014 to help better understand healthcare for troops affected by toxic exposure. Now, a decade later, even more Veterans are being included. Although VA burn pit registry sign-up isn’t required, the new format will automatically include Veterans in the pursuit of better healthcare for active duty service members and those who have already served.
Who Is Eligible for the VA Burn Pit Registry?
Eligibility for the VA burn pit registry has been expanded from its original parameters. By doing so, the VA is helping increase participation and data to better understand the effects of burn pits. Originally, it was for Veterans who had served in Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield (ODS), New Dawn (OND), or Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF). Now, sign-up has expanded to even more locations throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Furthermore, the VA is encouraging Veterans who may not think they are eligible to get involved. For example, Veterans who don’t think they were exposed to hazards in the air, haven’t filed a claim, don’t have any symptoms or illnesses, and even active duty service members are encouraged to get involved. Although the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) shut down a majority of the burn pits, military burn pit exposure continues as some are still active for the time being with plans to close them in the future.
2024 Expansion Includes All Veterans from the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan
On August 1, 2024, the VA and DoD expanded the burn pit registry and made enrollment automatic based on DoD records. Still, signing up for the VA burn pit registry is optional, but AHOBPR 2.0 helps researchers understand health problems from airborne hazards and burn pits. Additionally, this information will improve treatments, predict health issues, and support proactive care for Veterans in the future. Participating in the registry doesn't change your VA benefits but, again helps improve future Veterans' care. If you were already in the registry before the update, you don't need to do anything. Even without symptoms, your participation can help the VA provide better care to all Veterans and service members. Anyone who has served in the following capacities between August 2, 1990, and August 31, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in AHOBPR 2.0:
- Afghanistan
- Arabian Sea
- Bahrain
- Desert Shield and Desert Storm (ODS/S)
- Djibouti
- Egypt*
- Enduring Freedom (OEF)
- Gulf of Aden
- Gulf of Oman
- Iraq
- Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
- Kuwait
- New Dawn (OND)
- Oman
- Qatar
- Red Sea
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia*
- Southwest Asia*
- Syria
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Waters of the Persian Gulf
*Since August 2, 1990 Additionally, the airspaces above the countries listed below and the waters mentioned below are also included for those serving after September 11, 2001:
- Afghanistan
- Arabian Sea
- Djibouti
- Gulf of Aden
- Gulf of Oman
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Persian Gulf
- Red Sea
- Syria
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
In sum, if you don’t want to be a part of the VA burn pit registry, simply fill out this form to opt-out.
How to Register for the VA Burn Pit Registry
Lastly, if you need help with registering with the registry, you can contact the VA’s help desk at 1 (877) 470-5947. Additionally, compensation for burn pit disability is available, simply by filing your VA Form 21-526EZ online. Keep in mind you must finish your application within a year once you start it and applying for compensation is different than signing up for the VA burn pit registry. Related reads:
- What Are the 23 Illnesses Covered Under the PACT Act?
- 1 Million VA Toxic Exposure & PACT Act Claims Granted to Veterans
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Sources: VA Airborne Hazards..., VA. Accessed August 2024. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exposures/AHOBPR_QuickReferenceSheet_Final_508.pdf Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures, VA Public Health. Accessed August 2024. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp Redesigned Airborne Hazards..., VA Public Health. Accessed August 2024. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp