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.
CONTACT US TODAY! Key TakeawaysEnacted 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.
The following table lists the conditions covered by the PACT Act and the service requirements for eligibility for each.
| 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.
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.
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.