Burn pits

For years, the military relied on open-air burn pits to dispose of waste throughout Southwest Asia, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. These massive fires often burned everything from plastics and chemicals to medical waste and fuel—creating thick smoke that service members breathed in daily. Many Veterans exposed to burn pits have since developed serious health conditions.

The PACT Act expanded burn pit and airborne hazard presumptions, allowing Veterans to more easily prove a connection between their condition and their exposure to burn pits during service. But even with the PACT Act’s expansion of coverage, burn pit cases are often complicated, particularly when VA disputes a diagnosis, downplays symptoms, or assigns an unfair rating.

Health conditions commonly linked to burn pit exposure

Veterans exposed to burn pits often experience respiratory and inflammatory conditions, and other chronic issues including:

  • Chronic breathing problems (persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, etc.)

  • Asthma, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis

  • Sleep disruption due to breathing issues

  • Constrictive bronchiolitis and other chronic lung conditions

  • Certain cancers

  • Skin irritation/rashes

  • Chronic headaches

Why burn pit claims still get denied

Claims are frequently denied for one or more of the following reasons:

  • VA says there’s no “nexus” (even when presumptions should apply)

  • The diagnosis is missing, unclear, or not documented in VA-friendly terms

  • VA relies on an inadequate C&P examination or opinion

  • VA minimizes symptom severity, or assigns a rating that doesn’t reflect everyday functional limitations

  • Exposure details or deployment history aren’t clearly tied to the claim file

How we help with SMC claims and appeals

Our attorneys are here to help Veterans build strong, evidence-based claims, by:

  • Identifying whether your service and condition qualify for burn pit/toxic exposure presumptions

  • Gathering the right medical evidence (diagnoses, testing, treatment records, specialist opinions)

  • Organizing service records to clearly show where and when you were exposed

  • Preparing you for C&P exams and challenging flawed exam reports

  • Appealing denials and pushing for the correct rating and effective date

If you served near burn pits and you’re dealing with ongoing health issues, you may have a strong case for VA disability compensation, even if VA has already denied your claim. Contact Talton Hukill today.