The Veterans Benefits Administration started processing presumptive disability claims on Aug. 2 for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis based on presumed particulate matter exposures (burn pits) during military service.
These new presumptive conditions apply to Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations beginning Aug. 2, 1990 to the present, or Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti beginning Sept. 19, 2001 to the present – AND where the condition(s) manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service.
The Southwest Asia theater of operations refers to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and the airspace above these locations.
Veterans and survivors who believe they may be eligible for the newly established presumptive conditions are encouraged to apply. They should file a VA Form 21-526EZ if applying.
VA offering compensation to veterans exposed to burn pits
