Prevalence of burn pit associated symptoms among US Veterans who utilize non-VA private healthcare

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Do the 3.5 million US veterans, who primarily utilize private healthcare, have similar burn pit exposure and disease compared to the VA Burn Pit registry. METHODS: Online volunteer survey of Gulf War and Post-9/11 veterans. RESULTS: Burn pit exposure had significantly higher odds of extremity numbness, aching pain and burning, asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, constrictive bronchiolitis, pleuritis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Chi-square did not reveal a difference in burn pit exposure and cancer diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate increased risk of neurological symptoms associated with burn pit exposure, that are not covered in the 2022 federal Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Additional data will allow for the continued review and consideration for future medical benefits.

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