Canadian soldier wins compensation for burn pit exposure in Afghanistan [Video]

A Canadian soldier who was exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits while serving in Afghanistan has been awarded full medical compensation for testicular cancer after Veterans Affairs initially denied his claim.

The reversal marks the second time this year that the Veterans Review and Appeal Board has overturned an earlier decision refusing disability benefits for cancers linked to burning waste at military outposts in Afghanistan.

The soldier, who is unnamed in the decision issued last month in Prince Edward Island, served two tours with a provincial reconstruction team in Kandahar between November 2007 and June 2010.

Smoke would ‘roll over the camp’

During his 16 months in Kandahar, the soldier “was exposed to hazardous chemicals” from burn pits that were routinely used to dispose of chemicals, paint, human waste, plastics, petroleum, aluminum and munitions, according to the appeal board panel.

“The smoke was really noticeable in the evenings when it would cool off,” the veteran testified before the panel. “The smoke would stay …