How to Prove Exposure to Environmental Hazards for VA Disability Claims (Agent Orange, Burn Pits, and More)

For many veterans, proving exposure to environmental hazards during military service is one of the most difficult parts of a VA disability claim. Whether the issue is Agent Orange in Vietnam, toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, or exposure to chemicals and solvents on bases and ships, these hazards often lead to chronic, and sometimes life-threatening, conditions years later.

The challenge? Demonstrating that the exposure actually occurred.

This guide explains how Veterans can document exposure, how to leverage new presumptive rules, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay or derail claims.

Common Environmental Hazards Recognized by the VA

VA acknowledges a wide range of service-related environmental hazards, including:

• Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam era
• Burn pits used widely during post-9/11 deployments
• Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
• Asbestos exposure on older ships, barracks, and equipment
• Gulf War environmental and chemical exposures
• Radiation exposure from nuclear testing or certain military roles
• Industrial chemicals and solvents used in maintenance, supply, and aviation roles

Many conditions, especially respiratory illnesses and cancers, are now linked or presumed connected to these exposures. Knowing whether your condition qualifies as “presumptive” can dramatically simplify your claim.

How to Document Exposure (Even If Records Are Limited)

Most exposures were never documented at the time. It’s normal not to see notes like “this service member inhaled burn-pit smoke.” The VA understands this, but you still need evidence that supports your claim.

Here’s how to build a strong proof package:

1. Gather Service Location Evidence

Useful records include:

• Deployment orders
• Service personnel records
• Travel vouchers
• Pay records showing hazard pay or overseas service
• Unit histories or deployment summaries

These documents help establish where and when you served, allowing VA to connect your service location with recognized hazard zones.

2. Get Buddy Statements

A well-written buddy statement from someone who served with you can be extremely persuasive.

Strong statements should include:

• The location where exposure occurred
• What the hazardous environment was (burn pits, chemicals, etc.)
• Frequency or duration of exposure
• Any symptoms you experienced at the time

Multiple statements from different witnesses can significantly strengthen your claim.

3. Use Historical or Government Documentation

Veterans can reference:

• DoD environmental hazard maps
• VA lists of confirmed exposure zones
• Prior VA decisions for others in your same unit or base
• Research studies or government reports

If an agency has acknowledged a hazard existed at your location, you can, and should, use that documentation.

Using Presumptive Conditions to Your Advantage

Recent updates, including expansions under the PACT Act, have added dozens of new presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure and burn pits.

This matters because:

• You do not need to prove direct causation
• You only need proof that you served in a qualifying location and time
• The VA automatically assumes a link between service and your illness

For example:
Many respiratory conditions and cancers are now presumptive for those who served near burn pits. Likewise, Agent Orange and Camp Lejeune contamination have long lists of presumptive diseases.

Always check whether your condition is now considered presumptive, it can completely change the outcome of your claim.

How to File a VA Disability Claim for Hazard-Related Conditions

Step 1: Document Your Medical Condition

Gather:

• A clear diagnosis
• Treatment and specialist records
• Lab work or imaging
• Any private medical records

Step 2: Establish Service Connection or Presumptive Eligibility

Provide evidence of:

• Where you served
• When you served
• Your unit or MOS
• The exposure conditions you encountered

Step 3: Submit Supporting Evidence

This may include:

• Buddy statements
• Scientific or government studies
• Military operational reports
• Base environmental documentation

Step 4: Get a Nexus Letter (If Not Presumptive)

If your condition isn’t presumptive, an independent medical professional can write a nexus opinion stating your illness is “at least as likely as not” related to service.

Common Mistakes That Hurt VA Claims

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Submitting a claim without evidence of where exposure occurred
• Assuming the VA already “knows” your exposure risk
• Failing to provide private medical records
• Missing deadlines or ignoring VA requests for information

Many denials happen simply because Veterans underdocument their exposure.

Final Advice: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Many Veterans aren’t sure whether they were exposed, or how to prove it. You should consider pursuing an exposure-related claim if:

• You served in an area known for toxic exposure
• You developed chronic or unexplained symptoms after service
• Your diagnosis appears on a presumptive list
• You recall exposure even if no official record exists
• Other Veterans from your unit have similar conditions

If you’re uncertain how to proceed, the team at Stevens & Sullivan is here to support
you at every step. Contact us at 404-467-9017 for your free consultation.