The Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a registry for veterans who believe they have been exposed to fumes from trash burned in open pits or to toxins inhaled with dust in Iraq and Afghanistan. The registry is open to veterans who fought in the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, were stationed in Djibouti after September 1, 2001, and to veterans of the Persian Gulf War. Veterans may request a free medical examination after signing up for the registry.
The VA has noticed that the number of veterans with respiratory problems such as asthma, constrictive bronchiolitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have increased since 2001. Researchers have found that the dust in Iraq and Kuwait contains 37 metals that have been linked to disorders ranging from neurological disorders to cancer, 147 different kinds of bacteria, and several kinds of disease-spreading fungi.
Veterans are encouraged to sign up for the registry and request the offered medical examination. www.gardberglaw.com serves veterans throughout the Gulf Coast area, including Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Call the experienced veterans disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today for a free case evaluation.
