WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) today announced the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry now exceeds 200,000 registrants.
The registry, which began in June 2014, allows Veterans and service members to self-report their exposures and health concerns in an online questionnaire that can be used to initiate discussions of health concerns with a provider.
“Concerns about the long-term effects of exposure to burn pits remain a priority,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “By joining the registry, Veterans, service members and the department will further understand the impact of deployment-related exposures on health.”
The Department of Defense encouraged registry participation in a letter to more than 700,000 active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members, which ultimately helped push participation beyond the 200,000 mark.
In addition to completing a questionnaire, registry participation involves an in-person exam by a provider. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most VA facilities are deferring exams to protect registry participants, medical staff and other patients.
Learn more about this registry, including eligibility.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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