Prevalence of Burn Pit Associated Symptoms Among US Veterans Who Utilize Non-Veteran's Affairs Private Healthcare.

Abstract

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? This is an online volunteer survey of Gulf War and Post-9/11 veterans. Burn pit exposure had significantly higher odds of extremity numbness, aching pain and burning, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, constrictive bronchiolitis, pleuritis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Chi-square did not reveal a difference in burn pit exposure and cancer diagnoses. These data demonstrate increased risk of neurological symptoms associated with burn pit exposure, which are not covered in the 2022 federal Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. Additional data will allow for the continued review and consideration for future medical benefits.