PACT Act Presumptive Conditions List
The PACT Act expands access to VA disability benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals and materials during service. Individuals who served in certain locations may qualify for benefits if they have a presumptive condition. The PACT Act Presumptive Conditions List includes certain types of cancers, respiratory diseases, and other illnesses. Veterans Guide explains the presumptive conditions contained in the PACT Act and how to file a claim for benefits.
- The PACT Act of 2022 expands VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, acknowledging over 20 medical conditions as presumptive for service connection.
- Veterans with these conditions are eligible for VA benefits without needing to prove the service connection, provided they meet defined service requirements.
- There’s no deadline for filing a PACT Act claim, but submitting by August 14, 2023, allowed for back pay from August 10, 2022.
- Despite the presumptive status, the VA can deny claims if evidence suggests a condition is not service-connected.
Enacted in 2022, the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act, commonly known as the PACT Act, provides expanded benefits and health care services for veterans exposed to toxic materials and substances during their service. Veterans who qualify may receive VA disability benefits and other allowances if they have specific conditions and meet the service requirements issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The PACT Act Presumptive Conditions List includes over 20 health conditions. Certain types of cancer and respiratory diseases are considered presumptive illnesses. Servicemembers and survivors who meet the PACT Act’s service requirements can submit a VA disability claim to initiate the benefits process.
List of Presumptive Conditions
The following table lists the conditions covered by the PACT Act and the service requirements for eligibility for each.
- Medical Condition
- Toxic Exposure Source
- Period of Service
- Service Location
| Brain cancer | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Glioblastoma | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Head cancer of any type | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Melanoma | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Neck cancer of any type | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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- Medical Condition
- Toxic Exposure Source
- Period of Service
- Service Location
| Gastrointestinal cancer | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Kidney cancer | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Pancreatic cancer | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Reproductive cancer | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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- Medical Condition
- Toxic Exposure Source
- Period of Service
- Service Location
| Lymphoma of any type | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) | Agent Orange | Between 1/9/1962 and 6/30/1976 | Any U.S. or Royal Thai military bases in Thailand |
| Between 12/1/1965 and 9/30/1969 | Laos | ||
| Between 4/16/1969 and 4/30/1969 | Cambodia | ||
| Between 1/9/1962 and 7/31/1980 | Guam or American Samoa, or their territorial waters | ||
| Between 1/1/72 through 9/30/1977 | Johnston Atoll, or any military vessel that called at Johnston Atoll |
- Medical Condition
- Toxic Exposure Source
- Period of Service
- Service Location
| Respiratory cancer | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Asthma diagnosed after service | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Chronic bronchitis | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Chronic rhinitis | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Chronic sinusitis | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Emphysema | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Granulomatous disease | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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- Medical Condition
- Toxic Exposure Source
- Period of Service
- Service Location
| Interstitial lung disease (ILD) | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Pleuritis | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Pulmonary fibrosis | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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| Sarcoidosis | Burn pits and other toxins | On or after 9/11/2001 |
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| On or after 8/2/1990 |
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- Medical Condition
- Toxic Exposure Source
- Period of Service
- Service Location
| High blood pressure | Agent Orange | Between 1/9/1962 and 6/30/1976 | Any U.S. or Royal Thai military bases in Thailand |
| Between 12/1/1965 and 9/30/1969 | Laos | ||
| Between 4/16/1969 and 4/30/1969 | Cambodia | ||
| Between 1/9/1962 and 7/31/1980 | Guam or American Samoa, or their territorial waters | ||
| Between 1/1/72 through 9/30/1977 | Johnston Atoll, or any military vessel that called at Johnston Atoll |
The PACT Act recognizes new presumptive conditions. However, the VA already presumed many additional illnesses resulted from exposure to toxic, hazardous materials, such as Agent Orange, mustard gas, lewisite, PFAS, radiation, burn pits, Camp Lejeune water contamination, and asbestos. Military service completed in certain locations during specific timeframes may meet the requirements for other presumptive conditions not covered by the PACT Act.
What Is the PACT Act?
Signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, the PACT Act considerably expanded VA disability benefits and services for exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The law authorizes the VA to recognize over 20 medical conditions as presumptive for additional benefits and services if the veteran served in certain locations during specific timeframes.
When applying for VA disability benefits, veterans generally must prove their condition is service-connected. However, veterans with a presumptive condition don’t need to prove a service connection, provided they meet the VA’s service requirements.
Kevin McVeigh
A member of the Pennsylvania Bar and formerly a partner of a law firm, where he handled a diverse case load, Kevin is the editor of Veterans Guide’s content. He meticulously researches the accuracy of all the information provided by the Veterans Guide website.
LOREM IPSUM
The VA automatically presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific veteran’s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a veteran within a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation. Examples include Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange or Vietnam veterans that served in certain locations. Also, Gulf War and post 911 veterans eligible for presumptive conditions, depending on where and when the veteran served you and finally, former prisoners of war may be eligible for presumptive disability.
The VA automatically presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific veteran’s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a veteran within a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation. Examples include Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange or Vietnam veterans that served in certain locations. Also, Gulf War and post 911 veterans eligible for presumptive conditions, depending on where and when the veteran served you and finally, former prisoners of war may be eligible for presumptive disability.
PACT Act Deadline
There is no deadline for filing a claim for VA disability benefits under the PACT Act. You can file at any time.
PACT Act Effective Date
The PACT Act became effective on August 10, 2022. To receive back benefits, you must have submitted a PACT claim by August 14, 2023. Back pay covers the period between August 10, 2022, and August 14, 2023.
Veterans who submit a PACT claim after August 14, 2023, may still receive benefits but not back pay.
Can the VA Deny a Presumptive Disability?
Yes. The VA can deny a presumptive disability if there is no service connection to exposure during your military service. Thus, if there is proof linking your condition to some other cause than toxic exposure during your service, the VA will deny your claim.
Toxic Exposure Screening
A toxic exposure screening helps your medical provider assess your history of potential exposure. It includes several questions that take approximately five to 10 minutes to answer. However, no physical exam, blood tests, or other diagnostics are performed during a toxic exposure screening.
The screening is voluntary, and there is no requirement to undergo it if you’re filing a PACT claim. However, taking one is advisable since it can identify potential toxins you may have encountered during your military service.
How To File PACT Act Claim for a Presumptive Service Connection
You can start a new PACT claim for VA benefits online, by mail, or in person at your local VA. Veterans previously denied VA disability benefits can submit a Supplemental Claim for a case review if they now have conditions considered presumptive. According to the VA, approximately 97 percent of PACT claim applicants will see a rating increase or remain at the same rating.
If you’d like assistance with a PACT claim for VA disability benefits, Veterans Guide can assist. Contact us today, and we can connect you with an experienced VA disability attorney to help you with your claim.
