VA redesigns and expands Burn Pit Registry

Military Burn PitPhoto byVA

VA today announced the launch of the redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (“the Burn Pit Registry” or “the registry”). The Burn Pit Registry is a database that combines Veteran and service member data to help VA better understand, research, and ultimately improve treatment for the health challenges faced by Veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits during their military service.

It’s important to note that participating in the registry does not have an impact on your VA health care or benefits, but it does help VA better understand the challenges that the Veteran population faces as a whole. The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) will help you better understand these changes, how they may impact you and your ultimate role in the registry.

What is the purpose of the registry?

The Burn Pit Registry is a tool that helps VA identify and research health challenges of Veterans and service members who were exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits during their military service.

Over time, the knowledge gained through this research will be used to fuel advancements in treatments, inform policies related to establishing presumptive conditions, ensure more precise predictive medicine, and deliver targeted proactive and preventative care.

Why did VA redesign the registry?

In response to extensive feedback from Veterans and service members, VA’s changes to the registry help greatly reduce the burden of participation. Expansion of eligibility criteria and automatic enrollment based on DOD records means approximately 4.7 million Veterans and service members will now be included, with simple opt-out procedures for those who wish to not participate.

How do I know if I’m included in the registry?

If you enrolled in the registry any time before the launch of the redesign, you will be automatically rolled into the new registry. If you deployed to an eligible theater of operation or location for specific time periods, you will be automatically included into the registry. This includes deceased Veterans or service members who meet the eligibility criteria.

You can review the eligibility criteria on the Burn Pit Registry webpage. If you want to confirm whether or not you’ve been included in the registry, you can contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator.