VA announces redesign and expansion of Burn Pit Registry

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FAQs to help understand your role in the registry and how it paves way for improved research into Veterans exposed to toxins, hazards while serving

​On Aug. 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 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.
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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 here. If you want to confirm whether or not you’ve been included in the registry, you can contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator.

Why should I participate in the registry?

While participation in the registry does not impact your individual care or benefits, it does contribute to a critical research tool that enables VA to identify and study health challenges
spanning the whole Veteran and service member population. It is a way for Veterans and service members of this generation to help improve the care and benefits of those in generations to come.

Will my decision to be a participant in or opt-out of the registry have any impact on my VA health care or benefits?

No. Whether you choose to be a participant in or to opt out of the registry will have no impact on your individual health care or benefits. Inclusion in the registry does not equate to enrollment in health care nor to applying for benefits.

If I would rather not participate, how do I opt out?

While we encourage eligible Veterans to participate, if you would prefer not to, opting out is simple. Visit this webpage to submit an opt out form. There are no consequences of opting out, and you can opt out at any time.

What specific DOD and VA data will the registry include?

The registry will include deployment locations, military personnel information, and demographics to include gender, race, and ethnicity. No medical information will be stored in the registry.

Who will be able to access data from the registry and how will it be used?

Veteran and service member data will be accessible to select VA epidemiologists and researchers, and institutional review board-approved researchers. registry data will be used to conduct medical and public health research over time. Findings from these studies will inform health care and policy, including that related to presumptive conditions.

Have additional questions? Check out the Burn Pit Registry’s webpage or contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator.