Relief for ‘Burn Pit’ Exposure

There is some good news from the Veteran’s Administration on what many younger veterans call the Burn Pit issue. The VA recently announced it is taking steps to develop a system for presumptive treatment and compensation similar to what exists for our Vietnam veterans with illnesses stemming from exposure to Agent Orange.

As many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan know, since there was not any local infrastructure to process garbage around many bases, any and every type of waste was disposed of by being sent to an open “burn pit” located on the perimeter of the base. Unfortunately, when the wind shifted while the pit was in operation, the smoke plume would stream over the working and living areas of the base. Soon, many veterans started reporting respiratory and other medical issues, some eerily similar to those experienced by the first responders and recovery crews at the 9/11 World Trade Center site.

After much urging from veterans, veterans’ groups, and individual legislators, Veterans Affairs is developing a list of illnesses and locations that will make veterans automatically eligible for treatment and other benefits when a veteran seeks treatment and files a claim for these medical issues. The geographical areas recognized by the VA are not limited to war zone countries, but include several other Middle Eastern and Central Asia countries where troops were stationed in support of combat operations.

For more information go to https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits.

Knowing of the long sad history of similar such episodes, including the Atomic Veterans of the 1950s, Agent Orange, and the mandatory Anthrax vaccine in the late 1990s, it is amazing how the military, with a core of industrial hygienists and medical personnel, could have allowed these burn pits to operate. One can only hope this will be the last “unforced” error of this type going forward. Unfortunately, with the new Space Force in place, the imagination runs wild with the hazards that await those future generations of our military.

Staying on the subject of veterans needing assistance, you may have seen a flyer circulating about a Veterans Stand Down in Kissimmee in September. I have heard from several of the sponsoring organizations that this has been postponed due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus. There’s been word yet on a future date.

On a separate subject, I received some good feedback on the first column already. Not a bad start, and I appreciate those who took the time to let me know their thoughts. Several people confirmed the need for a new VA clinic in Osceola County and mentioned long wait times for appointments, while several others want to see continued use of the VA Community Care Program.

Finally, in future columns, I want to start spotlighting the various veterans’ organizations we have throughout Osceola County. If you are interested in having your organization highlighted, please contact me at the email address below. I am interested in what veteran demographic you represent, such as a particular conflict or individual branch of service, number of members, and any specific good works your organization supports.

Area veterans are encouraged to email their thoughts, or ideas for future columns, to osceolavets@gmail.com.