U.S. veterans suffering from conditions such as chronic asthma due to particulate matter exposure in qualified locations such Afghanistan, pictured here, may be eligible for new VA benefits. (U.S. Army Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Charlie Emmons, TAAC-E Public Affairs)
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced on Monday that it is now processing disability claims relating to particulate matter exposure.
Specifically, the VA says disability claims for chronic asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis will now be processed on a “presumptive basis” for veterans who served in a qualifying location and developed symptoms within ten years of their service. This basis essentially means that veterans suffering from these airborne conditions who served in a listed country during a specified time frame will be given the benefit of the doubt.
Qualified tours include Southwest Asia after Aug. 1, 1990, and Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, or Uzbekistan after Sept. 19, 2001. The VA notes that Southwest Asia theater includes tours in “Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and the airspace above these locations.”
The VA also notes that it will be reaching out to victims or surviving spouses. Or, anyone who believes they are eligible can reach out to the VA on their own to expedite the process. The American Legion can also assist veterans with obtaining VA benefits.
About Particulate Matter Exposure
The VA defines particulate matter or airborne hazard exposure as an instance where “any sort of contaminant or potentially toxic substance” is breathed. Common examples include sand and dust, but also smoke and other chemical inhalation from burn pits, mechanical fumes, aircraft and vehicle exhaust, fuel, and even “general air pollution” native to the aforementioned qualifying locations.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to particulate matter of any kind can also lead to premature death, nonfatal heart attack, decreased lung function, and more, especially for those who have preexisting conditions such as lung disease or heart disease. The VA already offers disability benefits for some of these conditions.
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.
