Transforming Diagnostic Imaging for Veterans: A New Era in Cardiopulmonary Health

Burn Pits 360 and Vanderbilt University Medical Center hosted a symposium in Nashville on Sept. 24 to advance diagnostic imaging for Veterans affected by toxic exposure.

The event, titled “Transforming Diagnostic Imaging: A New Era in Cardiopulmonary Health,” brought together researchers, clinicians, and Veteran advocates from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Duke University, Philips, and more. 

The closed-session symposium focused on improving the accuracy and speed of diagnosing cardiopulmonary illnesses linked to military service.

According to the event summary, the goal was to “advance the evaluation and adoption of innovative imaging technologies that enhance cardiopulmonary care, accelerate screening, and enable earlier, more accurate diagnoses.”

Burn Pits 360 Co-founder and retired U.S. Army Capt. Le Roy Torres opened the event by reflecting on his personal experience with deployment-related lung disease. 

“Our fight for justice, accountability, and health care has been long and difficult,” Le Roy said. “But we have made significant strides, especially with the passage of the PACT Act in 2022. However, the work continues as the pathway to care processes are implemented.”

He urged participants to remember the human side of scientific progress. “These advancements are not just about technology—they’re about people. Behind every case is a veteran, a family, and a story of sacrifice.” 

Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Deputy Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs, joined virtually to commend the collaboration. “Your combined time, talent, and passion are elevating our collective understanding and response to these significant health issues.” 

She highlighted the Mass Expand Research Study, a federally funded initiative led by Vanderbilt’s Dr. Jennifer Lewis to expand lung cancer screening eligibility for Veterans exposed to toxins. The study integrates low-dose CT imaging and blood-based biomarkers to detect cancer earlier and reduce the need for biopsies.

Dr. Kim Sandler, co-director of Vanderbilt’s Lung Screening Program, presented data showing that lung cancer screening remains underused despite its effectiveness. “Only about 15 percent of women eligible for lung screening have enrolled, even though lung cancer kills more women than breast and ovarian cancers combined,” Sandler said. She discussed efforts to expand awareness through outreach campaigns and partnerships that could be adapted for the VA population.

Dr. Michael Falvo, co-director of the VA’s Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence, outlined the work of the Post-Deployment Cardiopulmonary Evaluation Network, or PDCEN.

The network conducts in-depth, multidisciplinary evaluations for Veterans with deployment-related respiratory symptoms. “These are not quick screens,” Falvo said. “They’re comprehensive, multi-day evaluations that include pulmonology, cardiology, ENT, imaging and more. The goal is to understand what’s happening to these Veterans and how to help them.”

The symposium concluded with a collaborative workshop on developing the Toxic Exposure Clinical Pocket Guide, a resource designed by Burn Pits 360 and VA clinicians to help community providers recognize and treat toxic exposure-related illnesses.

The event marked another milestone in Burn Pits 360’s ongoing work to improve Veteran health outcomes through science, advocacy, and policy.

Co-founder Rosie Torres said the organization’s mission remains the same: “to unite advocates, leaders, and communities in ensuring that Veterans exposed to toxic hazards receive the care, justice, and recognition they deserve.”

“At Burn Pits 360, our mission has always been to educate, advocate, and empower those impacted by military toxic exposures. Today, that mission has evolved into what we call the Trifecta Model — a comprehensive approach that unites cutting-edge research, transformative technology, and unwavering advocacy under one mission: to save lives and restore hope.

"Through this model, we’re bridging the gap between science and service — bringing together leading clinicians, researchers, and technology partners to ensure veterans receive the personalized care they deserve. From lung imaging and biomarker studies to legislative reform and public awareness, we are building a sustainable system of care that honors every sacrifice and advances the promise of the PACT Act.

"Burn Pits 360 remains committed to ensuring no Veteran is left behind. Together, we are not only transforming how toxic exposure injuries are treated — we’re redefining what it means to truly stand firewatch for those who once stood for us.”