Burn pits, open fires used to dispose of waste in war zones, left their mark not just on the landscapes of conflict but on the health of countless veterans. These silent hazards are linked to a range of serious health problems, including respiratory illnesses, cancers, and autoimmune disorders.
But there’s hope. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) — a powerful tool for veterans and service members exposed to these hazards. Joining the registry isn’t just documenting your service; it’s taking a stand for your health and future care.
Eligibility for the Burn Pit Registry
Any veteran or service member deployed to the Southwest Asia theater of operations or Egypt any time after August 2, 1990, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, or Uzbekistan on or after September 11, 2001, can join the Burn Pit Registry.
Specific regions and countries include:
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Djibouti
- Gulf of Aden
- Gulf of Oman
- Oman
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
- Syria
- Uzbekistan
- Egypt
- The waters of the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, or the Red Sea
Operations and campaigns include:
- Desert Shield and Desert Storm (ODS/S)
- Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
- Enduring Freedom (OEF)
- New Dawn (OND)
How to Get on the Burn Pit Registry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Access the VA’s Secure Registry Portal:
Navigate to the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) portal. You can also access the registry through various other secure pathways:
- eBenefits portal: After logging in, navigate to “Manage Health” under the main menu, then find the “Health Studies” section and select “Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.”
- Login.gov, ID.me, or My HealtheVet: Log in and search for “Burn Pit Registry.”
- AccessVA Home: Click “Manage Health” and follow the abovementioned steps.
Log In and Verify Eligibility:
Log in using your DSLogon Level 2 (Premium) account credentials. If you don’t have one, follow the instructions on the portal to create one.
- Confirm your eligibility: The registry is open to veterans and service members deployed to specific regions and operations since August 2, 1990. Check the official list of eligible areas and campaigns within the portal.
- Technical Eligibility Issue: If you served before 9/11, were part of special forces, or were re-deployed within three months, you might receive an ineligibility notification. This is a technical glitch. Click the blue banner that reads “Request Eligibility Review” to proceed.
Complete the Online Questionnaire:
Set aside 40 minutes to an hour for the questionnaire. It covers your deployment details, health history, lifestyle factors, and potential burn pit exposure.
- Take your time: You can save your progress and return to complete the questionnaire later.
- Be as thorough as possible: Complete all sections to the best of your ability. Your information helps researchers understand the full picture of burn pit exposure and its health effects.
Schedule an Optional Medical Evaluation:
After completing the questionnaire, you can schedule a free, in-person medical evaluation at a VA facility. This evaluation includes a physical exam, laboratory tests, and a discussion of your health history and potential burn pit-related symptoms.
Participation in the evaluation is voluntary but provides valuable information for your healthcare and research efforts.
Takeaway
At Cameron Firm PC, we understand the invisible scars veterans carry from exposure to burn pits. Joining the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) is more than just registering your service; it’s a proactive step towards establishing a service connection for your burn-pit-related illness.
Here’s why joining the Burn Pit Registry matters:
- Protect your future healthcare: The registry data helps researchers understand the long-term health effects of burn pit exposure, leading to improved diagnoses, treatments, and potential cures. This translates to better healthcare for you and countless future veterans.
- Simplify disability benefits: Registered participation strengthens your claim for disability benefits related to burn pit exposure. The documented evidence makes your case stronger and streamlines the process.
- Contribute to the fight for justice: The registry data is crucial for advocating for increased research funding, improved healthcare access, and better policy initiatives for veterans impacted by burn pits. Your participation amplifies the collective voice for justice.
Don’t hesitate, take action:
- Check your eligibility: Visit the VA’s secure registry portal to see if you qualify.
- Complete the questionnaire: It’s easy and only takes 40 minutes to an hour. Remember, your story matters.
- Schedule your optional medical evaluation: Gain valuable insights into your health and contribute to vital research.
Together, we can ensure veterans exposed to burn pits receive the recognition, support, and care they deserve. If you’ve been denied benefits for burn-pit-related illnesses, don’t lose hope. Contact Cameron Firm PC today for a free consultation. We have a proven track record of successfully winning veterans’ appeals and getting them the benefits they deserve.
Remember, you’re not alone. We stand with you in this fight for your future.
This document is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.