Disability Law Claims Blog

Lawsuits allege possible health effects from burn pits during war

Lawsuits filed by veterans earlier this year allege that defense contractors KBR and Halliburton were negligent in burning waste in pits on U.S. bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Veterans allege that exposure to thick black smoke from the pits has caused health problems ranging from cancer to sleep apnea. According to the Disabled American Veterans group, some veterans also complain of skin lesions and allergy symptoms.

The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, announced in March that the VA would conduct a study to determine if long-term health effects may result from exposure to trash that was burned, at times, using jet fuel as an accelerant.

CNN reports that emissions from Balad Air Force Base in Iraq may have been particularly toxic.

If you are a veteran, civilian contractor, or are currently serving your country, and you worked at a base in Afghanistan or Iraq with burn pits and are experiencing health problems, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact LaVan & Neidenberg for more information.

Soldiers can return from action with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Compensation. At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. We wrote this book for you! In it you will find valuable tips on how to navigate the claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Request your FREE copy today!

Labels: Balad Air Force Base burn pits Department of Veterans Affairs emissions from Balad Air Force Base LaVan & Neidenberg lawsuits filed by veterans VA