Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: What Veterans Need to Know

Quick answer: The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is a VA program that documents exposures and health concerns of veterans who served in areas with open burn pits and airborne hazards. The registry helps VA track health outcomes, conduct research, and provide health care to affected veterans. While enrollment in the registry does not automatically qualify you for benefits or determine service connection, the health questionnaire you complete creates a documented record of your exposures and symptoms that can be used as evidence in your VA disability claim. Enrollment is voluntary, free, and open to veterans who served in qualifying locations.

What Is the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry

The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (also called the Burn Pit Registry) is a VA program established by the PACT Act. It collects health information from veterans who were exposed to airborne hazards and open burn pits during their military service.

Purpose of the Registry

The registry serves several purposes:

• Documents the health effects of burn pit exposure
• Helps VA identify emerging health trends
• Informs VA policy and benefit decisions
• Supports medical research on airborne hazards
• Helps veterans connect with VA health care

What the Registry Includes

The registry includes a comprehensive health questionnaire that asks about:

• Deployment locations and dates
• Type of duties performed
• Exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards
• Current health status and symptoms
• Diagnosis of any conditions

Who Is Eligible

Veterans who served in:

• Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom)
• Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn)
• Southwest Asia (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman)
• Certain other locations with burn pit exposures
• The Persian Gulf region (on or after August 2, 1990)

How to Enroll in the Burn Pit Registry

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

You are eligible if you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

Qualifying locations:

• Afghanistan (after September 11, 2001)
• Iraq (after August 2, 1990)
• Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman (after August 2, 1990)

Step 2: Visit the Registry Website

Go to the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry website at the VA's public health page.

Step 3: Complete the Health Questionnaire

The questionnaire takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. It asks about:

• Your deployment history
• Your exposure to burn pits
• Your current health symptoms
• Any medical diagnoses you have received
• Your demographics

Step 4: Schedule a Health Exam

After completing the questionnaire, you can schedule a free health exam at your local VA facility. The exam includes:

• Physical examination
• Exposure assessment
• Health evaluation
• Optional blood tests

Step 5: Receive Your Results

You will receive a summary of your questionnaire and exam results. These are added to your VA medical records.

Why the Registry Is Important for Your VA Claim

1. Documents Your Exposure

The registry questionnaire documents your deployment and exposure history. This is important evidence for proving you were exposed to airborne hazards.

What the registry provides:

• Proof of service in qualifying locations
• Documentation of deployment dates
• Documentation of potential exposures

2. Documents Your Health

The registry documents your current health status and symptoms.

What the registry provides:

• Documentation of symptoms
• Documentation of diagnoses
• Health assessment records

3. Creates a Record

The registry creates a formal record of your exposures and health concerns. This record is added to your VA medical file.

Why it matters: Having a documented record can strengthen your claim.

4. Supports the PACT Act

The registry helps identify veterans who may be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act.

Why it matters: The PACT Act added new presumptive conditions for burn pit exposure, and the registry helps identify affected veterans.

5. Provides Evidence for Service Connection

The registry results can be used as evidence to support service connection for burn pit-related conditions.

What to submit:

• Registry health questionnaire results
• Registry exam results
• Documentation of symptoms

What the Registry Does NOT Do

It Is Not a C&P Exam

The registry is a health screening, not a disability evaluation. It does not determine service connection or your rating.

It Does Not Award Benefits

Enrolling in the registry does not automatically qualify you for VA benefits. You still need to file a claim.

It Does Not Replace a Nexus Opinion

The registry documents your exposure and symptoms, but you may still need a nexus opinion to connect your condition to your service.

PACT Act Presumptive Conditions for Burn Pit Exposure

Qualifying Locations

The PACT Act applies to veterans who served in:

• Afghanistan (OEF) after 9/11
• Iraq (OIF, OND) after 8/2/1990
• Other Southwest Asia locations
• Certain other locations with burn pit exposures

Qualifying Conditions

The PACT Act added these presumptive conditions for veterans with qualifying service:

• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic rhinitis
• Chronic sinusitis
• Constrictive bronchiolitis
• Emphysema
• Granulomatous disease
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pleuritis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Sarcoidosis

Timeframe

These conditions are considered presumptive if they manifest within a certain timeframe or if they are diagnosed after service.

Realistic Veteran Scenario

Case Example: Army veteran Sergeant First Class Michael R. served in Iraq in 2007 and was exposed to burn pit smoke. He developed breathing problems but did not have a diagnosis. He enrolled in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry and completed the health questionnaire. The questionnaire documented his exposure history and symptoms. He then scheduled a registry health exam at his local VA. The exam included a pulmonary function test, which showed reduced lung function. The exam resulted in a diagnosis of asthma. Michael filed a VA claim under the PACT Act, using the registry questionnaire and exam results as evidence. The VA granted service connection for asthma as a presumptive condition. The registry was the critical step that documented his exposure and led to his diagnosis.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using the Registry for Your Claim

Step 1: Enroll in the Registry

• Go to the VA's public health website
• Complete the health questionnaire
• Schedule a health exam if desired

Step 2: Obtain Your Results

• Request a copy of your questionnaire
• Request a copy of your exam results
• Review for accuracy

Step 3: File Your Claim

• Use the registry results as evidence
• Reference the registry in your personal statement
• Submit with your VA Form 21-526EZ

Step 4: Seek Additional Evidence

• If needed, obtain a nexus opinion
• Continue treatment and document symptoms

FAQ: Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry

What is the Burn Pit Registry?

The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is a VA program that documents exposures and health concerns of veterans who served in areas with open burn pits and airborne hazards.

How do I enroll in the Burn Pit Registry?

Visit the VA's public health website and complete the health questionnaire. You can also contact your local VA to schedule a registry health exam.

Do I need to enroll in the registry to file a PACT Act claim?

No. Enrollment in the registry is not required to file a claim. However, the registry can provide valuable evidence for your claim.

What does the registry include?

The registry includes a health questionnaire and a free health exam. It documents your deployment history, exposures, and current health status.

Is the registry a C&P exam?

No. The registry is a health screening, not a disability evaluation. It does not determine service connection or your rating.

How long does the registry questionnaire take?

The health questionnaire takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.

Can the registry help my claim?

Yes. The registry documents your exposure and health status, which can be used as evidence in your claim. It is especially helpful for PACT Act claims.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal, medical, or financial advice. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies, rates, and forms change periodically verify current information on VA.gov before filing. For individual claim assistance, contact an accredited Veterans Service Organization (such as DAV, VFW, or American Legion) or a qualified claims agent or attorney.