Veterans With Cancer Exposed To Burn Pits Can Claim Disability Compensation

The list of presumptive cancers related to burn pit exposure has been expanded, streamlining the process for veterans to claim compensation.

In a significant development for Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans, the list of presumptive cancer symptoms related to burn pit exposure has been expanded, according to VA.gov. These presumptive conditions imply that the Department of Veterans Affairs assumes your service caused the condition, streamlining the process for eligible veterans to claim disability compensation.

The expanded list encompasses a range of cancers affecting the brain, head, neck, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lymphatic system, melanoma, pancreatic region, reproductive organs, and respiratory system. Notably, these presumptive conditions for cancer take into account exposure veterans had to burn pits or service in qualifying locations.

For brain, head, neck, and nervous system cancers, the list includes brain and brain stem cancers, head cancers of various types, neck cancers, and spinal cord cancers. This recognition is crucial as many veterans have reported health issues arising from burn pit exposure during their service.

In the gastrointestinal category, the presumptive cancers are comprised of anal cancer, colorectal cancer or colon cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, salivary gland cancers, small intestine cancers, spleen cancers, stomach cancers, and tongue cancer. This recognition underscores the impact of burn pit exposure on various organ systems.

The expanded list of presumptive conditions includes kidney cancers, lymphomas (including B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and rare lymphomas), melanomas affecting the eye, skin, and mucosal regions, pancreatic cancers, reproductive cancers (both female and male), and respiratory cancers (including bronchial, laryngeal, lung, and throat cancers).

The move by the VA is in response to the growing concerns and health challenges faced by veterans exposed to burn pits during their service. Many have reported various health issues, and the expansion of presumptive conditions acknowledges these concerns, simplifying the process for veterans to seek disability compensation.

Veterans who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to review the list of presumptive cancers, file a claim for disability compensation, and apply for VA healthcare. The VA emphasizes the importance of ensuring that eligible veterans receive the necessary support and acknowledgment for the health challenges they may be facing due to their service.

For those uncertain about meeting the service requirements, the VA provides guidance on how to check these requirements before filing a claim.