Burn Pits

As Washington refocuses on the issue of burn pits—waste fires used extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq which emitted toxic smoke that later sickened troops—Military Times is republishing our early stories to help show what work still needs to be done.

40% of vets report worries about military toxic exposure injuries

Since November, VA officials have screened more than 1 million veterans for health issues related to things like burn pit smoke and chemical contamination.

5 months ago

Biden urges vets to apply for burn pit benefits right away

The commander in chief traveled to Delaware for a veterans town hall to highlight new services and help for toxic exposure victims.

5 months ago

Veterans

VA starting work on terminally ill vets’ PACT Act claims immediately

The move could speed up benefits for about 2,500 veterans.

Will Biden award the Medal of Freedom to burn pit activists?

Advocates have called for some prominent leaders of the effort to be recognized with the nation's highest civilian honor.

6 months ago

New VA toxic exposure screening starts Nov. 8

The five-minute series of questions is designed to inform vets of new benefits they may be able to receive.

7 months ago

Nearly 113K claims already filed for PACT Act benefits

VA officials have urged all vets who believe they are eligible for the new benefits to apply soon.

7 months ago

Burn pit registry is failing to help track vet illnesses, experts say

The effort has collected more than 317,000 names but fails to present a full picture of the problem, researchers concluded.

7 months ago

Vets can apply for all PACT Act benefits now after VA speeds up law

Congress said officials could wait until 2026 to handle some claims, but White House officials have ordered VA to move faster.

9 months ago

Reflecting on burn pits after the passage of the PACT Act

Kelly Kennedy, War Horse managing editor, was the first reporter to cover burn pits and the resulting illnesses in service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

9 months ago

President Biden sits at desk smiling and holding PACT Act bill he just signed as he is surrounded by smiling advocates, veterans and their families looking down at him.

Biden signs burn pit exposure health bill into law

Biden called the PACT Act one of the most important changes to veteran support policies in decades.

9 months ago

Burn pits recognition for veterans took decade of struggle

President Joe Biden is scheduled to sign the bill boosting health and disability benefits for veterans into law on Wednesday.

10 months ago

Now that PACT Act has passed, how soon will veterans see their benefits?

Some portions of the sweeping veterans policy measure will go into effect as soon as it becomes law. Others will take years.

10 months ago

Millions of vets suffering from burn pit, toxic injuries set for more benefits after Congress passes PACT Act

President Joe Biden is expected to sign the sweeping plan into law in coming days.

10 months ago

Burn pits benefits bill concerns aren’t new, hinge on budget moves

Republicans have accused Democrats of making new changes to complicate the sweeping veterans policy measure, but the budget issues they cite have been in the bill for months.

10 months ago

Vets holding around-the-clock protest outside Capitol to push for new toxic exposure bill

The move comes after Senate Republicans blocked the legislation earlier this week.

10 months ago

Angry veterans advocates scramble to save toxic exposure bill after surprise setback

"We just want to know why veterans are getting screwed.”

10 months ago

New benefits for burn pit victims in limbo after Senate Republicans block plan

The measure was expected to be passed this week, but now faces an uncertain future.

10 months ago

Toxic exposure bill nears finish line with House approval

The measure will extend health care and disability benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

10 months ago

Major veterans toxic exposure legislation delayed again, but lawmakers insist it’s not defeat

Officials are optimistic the sweeping veterans bill will be finalized by Congress sometime next month.

11 months ago

Here are the veterans who will benefit from Congress’ sweeping toxic exposure bill

Veterans who served in Afghanistan, the first Gulf War, Vietnam and numerous other overseas locations could see new benefits under the plan.

11 months ago