The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Falls Church, VA, is taking significant steps to address issues related to military-related toxic exposure by launching the redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, now known as the Burn Pit Research Registry. This initiative is aimed at better understanding, researching, and improving the treatment of health challenges faced by veterans who were exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits during their military service.
Dr. Lester Martínez-López, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, emphasized the importance of this tool in making data more accessible and beneficial for all those affected by burn pits and other hazards. The registry is a secure database where veterans and service members can provide health information to aid the VA in conducting research on potential health issues resulting from exposure to toxic substances during deployment.
It is essential to note that no medical information will be stored in the registry, and access to veteran and service member data will be limited to select VA epidemiologists, researchers, and approved researchers. The data collected will be utilized for research purposes to enhance the VA’s understanding of presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure.
The Burn Pit Registry was initially developed by the VA in 2014 to help service members and veterans document potential exposure to airborne hazards while serving overseas. The revamped version of the registry has been updated based on extensive veteran feedback and has expanded participation criteria, making it easier for individuals to contribute valuable information for research purposes.
Moreover, the new registry will automatically include over 4.7 million veterans and service members based on Department of Defense records. Those who served in specific military campaigns and theaters of operation, such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn, will be included in the registry if they meet the participation criteria outlined by the DOD.
Individuals who do not wish to participate in the registry can opt-out without affecting their eligibility for VA health care or benefits. The Burn Pit Registry is a crucial resource for advancing research and offering innovative treatments for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
Dr. Shereef Elnahal, under secretary for health at the VA, underscores the significance of the registry in enabling the VA to identify and address health challenges faced by toxic-exposed veterans on a broader scale. The VA continues to prioritize the health and well-being of veterans by providing screening, health care, and benefits for those affected by toxic exposures.
For veterans seeking information on toxic exposures and available benefits, resources like VA.gov/PACT and the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry page are valuable sources of information. By staying informed and actively participating in initiatives like the Burn Pit Registry, veterans can contribute to advancing research and improving the quality of care and support provided to those who have served their country.
