A: The registry is a database of health information voluntarily provided by service members and veterans that will help the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) collect, analyze, and report on health conditions that may be related to environmental exposures experienced during deployment. The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry consists of an online questionnaire and an optional, in-person medical evaluation.
In June 2014, Public Law 112-260, as described in the Federal Register Notice, mandated VA create an Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The requirement was established in response to concerns that veterans were experiencing a range of respiratory illnesses possibly associated with exposure to burn pits while serving overseas. The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry allows eligible veterans and service members to document environmental exposures, such as smoke from burn pits, oil-well fires, or pollution during deployment, as well as record health concerns, through an online questionnaire. Information reported by participants is maintained in a secure database and may be used to inform future research studies.
The registry is completely voluntary and does not affect access to VA health care or compensation benefits. Upon completion of the questionnaire, registry participants may schedule a free medical exam to review their responses and health concerns with a medical provider. The registry helps participants become more aware of their health, while helping researchers to study the health effects of burn pits and other airborne hazards.