Veterans Disability Lawyer
Toxic Exposure & PACT Act VA Disability Claims
During military service, Veterans may have encountered hazardous substances through burn pits, herbicides, contaminated water, chemicals, airborne pollutants, radiation, and other environmental hazards.
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 expanded VA health care and disability benefits for certain Veterans exposed to toxic substances.
The law also expanded qualifying exposure locations and presumptive conditions. Whether the PACT Act applies to you depends on your service, location, exposure, diagnosis, and other eligibility requirements.
The PACT Act expanded certain VA health care and disability benefits for Veterans affected by toxic exposures.
Expanded Presumptions
Expanded Locations
VA Health Care
Toxic Exposure Claims We Help Veterans Understand
An MST disability claim follows the VA disability claims process, but the evidence can involve unique circumstances.
Burn Pits & Airborne Hazards
Veterans may have encountered smoke, particulate matter, chemicals, and other airborne hazards from burn pits and related environmental conditions.
Agent Orange & Herbicides
Veterans with qualifying service may be eligible for presumptive benefits for certain conditions associated with Agent Orange and other tactical herbicides.
Gulf War & Southwest Asia
Qualifying Gulf War-era Veterans may have claims involving illnesses and conditions associated with environmental hazards and particulate matter.
Other Hazardous Materials
Military service can involve exposure to chemicals, radiation, contaminated environments, and other hazardous substances.
Contaminated Water
Certain military locations and environmental hazards have specific VA rules and presumptions that may apply to qualifying Veterans.
Radiation Exposure
VA has separate rules addressing certain radiation-exposed Veterans and qualifying conditions.
PACT Act Conditions May Include
Respiratory Conditions
- Asthma diagnosed after service
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic rhinitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Emphysema
- Interstitial lung disease
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pleuritis
- Sarcoidosis
- Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
Certain Cancers & Other Conditions
Depending on the applicable presumption, recognized conditions can include certain cancers affecting the brain, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, lymphatic system, respiratory system, reproductive system, head, neck, and other areas.
PACT Act eligibility is specific to the Veteran’s service and exposure circumstances. VA’s official presumptive-condition lists should be checked for the current requirements.
Do I have to prove my Toxic Exposure?
01 / SERVICE
Qualifying Service
02 / CONDITION
Medical Condition
03 / ELIGIBILITY
Applicable Requirements
A condition does not necessarily have to appear on a PACT Act presumptive list for a Veteran to pursue VA disability compensation.
A Veteran may still pursue service connection based on direct evidence connecting a current disability to military service.
Depending on the claim, relevant evidence may include medical records, service records, medical opinions, exposure information, and lay statements.
Evidence That May Support A Toxic Exposure Claim
Medical Records
Military Records
Lay & Buddy Statements
How a VA Attorney at RLGVA Can Help With a Toxic exposure claims
Review unfavorable VA decisions and help you understand available options for further review or appeald.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The PACT Act expanded certain presumptions and VA benefits, but Veterans still need to satisfy the applicable eligibility and claim requirements.
Coverage depends on service era, location, exposure, medical condition, and other requirements. The law expanded benefits for certain Vietnam-era, Gulf War-era, and post-9/11 Veterans.
Potentially. Veterans may still pursue service connection under other applicable theories when the evidence supports a connection between the disability and military service.
Depending on the claim, evidence may include medical records, military records, qualifying service information, medical opinions, and supporting lay evidence.
Potentially. Depending on the decision and available evidence, a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board appeal may be available.
No. The PACT Act addresses multiple categories of toxic exposure, including certain burn pit, herbicide, radiation, and other environmental exposures. Eligibility depends on your individual service and circumstances.