DeGette Urges Veterans to Register Burn Pit Exposure

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) urged Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to sign up for the Veterans Affairs Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, which is now available online.

"Returning service members have spoken to me about suspiciously similar breathing and respiratory problems, and I worked with my colleagues in Congress to understand the extent of this problem," said Rep. DeGette. "Congress instructed the VA to develop this registry so that veterans can report their exposure to airborne hazards connected to their service, and we can take action to deal with these health issues."

Veterans can register their burn pit exposure with the VA here.

Rep. DeGette has introduced related legislation, The Helping Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals Act, with Rep. Tim Bishop (NY-01) to establish three Centers of Excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions related to open burn pit and other environmental exposures. National Jewish Health in Denver has already developed expertise in these types of occupational lung exposures, and the legislation is endorsed by IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America), The Sergeant Sullivan Center, and BurnPits360.

###