Veteran Burn Pit Lawsuits

Over the years, thousands of U.S. military servicemembers have sustained permanent damage to their health due to exposure to burn pits. These open-air pits were primarily used in Iraq and Afghanistan to destroy all waste and trash. The harmful chemicals in the smoke have been linked to various health consequences.

Now, our skilled mass torts attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are pursuing justice on behalf of veterans impacted by exposure to this toxic smoke. When you are facing health issues after having contact with burn pits during your service, a dedicated attorney might be able to help. Reach out today to discuss your options for filing a veteran burn pit lawsuit.

Understanding the Risks of Burn Pit Exposure

As the name suggests, burn pits are open-air incinerators used by the U.S. military to burn waste materials. Often, these pits were located on or around heavily populated bases and airfields where American soldiers lived and worked.

Countless substances were destroyed in the pits, including human waste, plastic, metal, tires, and harsh chemicals. When burned, these substances combined to form toxic smoke, and many people serving nearby developed serious health issues due to their proximity to the pits. Different pits involved different types of harmful exposure. In some cases, substances like dioxins or volatile organic compounds led to smoke that greatly increased the risk of cancer. Burning plastic also releases particulate matter into the air, which leads to severe respiratory problems.

Pursuing VA Disability Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs, or the VA, offers disability benefits for injuries or illnesses sustained or developed during a person’s service. When these benefits are awarded, the applicant receives monthly payments designed, in part, to replace their ability to earn a living.

Anyone who files a claim with the VA will have their condition rated. This means that doctors will evaluate symptoms and review records to determine how severe the health issues are and whether they are linked to an event during an individual’s military career. These ratings can be anywhere between 10 and 100 percent. A person rated with a 100 percent disability is eligible for monthly benefits. Our practiced attorneys are ready to pursue veteran burn pit litigation when claims are denied.

What Are Presumptive Conditions?

For some veterans, it can be a challenge to link their disability to an event that occurred during their service. That is not always the case, especially when the VA assumes certain conditions are service-connected depending on the circumstances.

When it comes to burn pits, being diagnosed with specific health issues may be enough to qualify for benefits. While most veterans have to establish a link between their disability and their time in the military, that is not the case with health issues presumed to be linked. Some examples of these illnesses include the following:

• Melanoma
• Brain cancer
• Glioblastoma
• Typical carcinoid
• Salivary gland tumors
• Squamous cell carcinomas

It is important to remember that while not having to establish a service connection is helpful, it does not always guarantee a successful burn pit lawsuit for veterans. Our experienced attorneys could examine all the facts available to help build the strongest case possible.

Contact an Attorney To Learn More About Veteran Lawsuits for Burn Pit Illnesses

When you were exposed to burn pits during your time in the military, you may be entitled to benefits from the federal government. Making a case for disability payments on your own can be challenging, but the Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin team is here to help.

Our well-practiced legal professionals could help you understand all the options for filing a veteran burn pit lawsuit. Contact our firm for a private consultation.