Defense Base Act Claims for VA Burn Pit Injuries

While most people understand the combat-related risks of serving in the military, there has been a recent emphasis on additional risks to active service members and civilian employees working on U.S. military bases abroad. In addition to acute physical injuries, some workers experience psychological trauma, and others suffer from diseases and illnesses related to airborne hazards. The law entitles eligible service members to compensation for certain injuries stemming from airborne hazards. Further, under the Defense Base Act (“DBA”), civilian employees who work overseas may also secure benefits for their injuries stemming from toxins.

Burn Pits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) refers to “burn pits” as areas devoted to the open-air combustion of trash. Burn pits were a common waste disposal practice at many overseas military sites. Common products in burn pits included: paint, medical and human waste, munitions, plastics, rubber, wood, and discarded food. Smoke from these areas contained toxic substances that could have both short and long-term health effects on those who experienced exposure.

Burn Pit Registry

In 2014, The VA established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (“AHOBPR”). This voluntary database includes information about service members and veterans who reported exposure to airborne hazards. As it stands, the registry does not allow civilian contractors to report their exposure and injuries. However, a DBA attorney can assist civilian contractors in recovering compensation for their burn pit injuries and illnesses.

Exposure to Burn Pits

The United States admitted operating over 80 burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, other locations include Kuwait, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Djibouti. While all of the burn pits posed risks to those in the area, some were larger and presented more hazards than others. For example, the burn pits at Balad Air Base in Iraq maintained a 10-acre burn pit close to the base.

Burn Pit Injuries

Exposure to burn pits can result in severe and potentially deadly diseases. Common injuries related to burn pits include Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Allergic Rhinitis, Autoimmune Disorders, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Lupus, Lymphoma, Pancreatic Cancer, Sinusitis, Testicular Cancer, Tonsil Cancer, and Lung Cancer. Some individuals experience the effects immediately, while onset can be over a more extended time for others.

DBA Claims for Burn Pit Injuries

Qualifying civilian workers may be entitled to benefits related to their exposure to toxic burn pits. These individuals must establish a causal connection between their injuries and their work abroad.

Florida Defense Base Act Attorneys

Airborne hazards and toxins can affect anyone in the vicinity of the area regardless of their status or occupation. The DBA attorneys at Friedman Rodman & Frank can help you recover compensation for injuries you or your loved ones experienced while working abroad for the U.S. government. In addition to DBA claims, our firm handles claims under the Jones Act and Longshore Act. Contact our office at 877-448-8585 to discuss your claims to benefits.