PACTReady

Burn Pits & Airborne Hazards (Gulf War / Post-9/11)

Gulf War era (on/after Aug 2, 1990) or any period on/after Sept 11, 2001.

Who's covered

Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Djibouti, Yemen, and other Southwest Asia / Central Command locations.

Example presumptive conditions

  • Asthma (diagnosed after service)
  • Chronic bronchitis, COPD, chronic rhinitis/sinusitis
  • Many cancers — head & neck, respiratory, gastrointestinal, kidney, melanoma, lymphoma
  • Hypertension (added 2026)
How to file on VA.gov →

Burn Pits — frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for Burn Pits benefits under the PACT Act?
Gulf War era (on/after Aug 2, 1990) or any period on/after Sept 11, 2001. Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Djibouti, Yemen, and other Southwest Asia / Central Command locations.
What conditions are presumptive for Burn Pits?
Examples include: Asthma (diagnosed after service); Chronic bronchitis, COPD, chronic rhinitis/sinusitis; Many cancers — head & neck, respiratory, gastrointestinal, kidney, melanoma, lymphoma; Hypertension (added 2026). This is not the full list — the PACT Act covers 330+ conditions across all exposure categories.
How do I file a Burn Pits claim?
File a VA disability claim and note your toxic exposure. A free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you build a strong claim at no cost. "Presumptive" means the VA assumes the service connection for eligible veterans — but you still must file.

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