PACT Act Presumptive Conditions
A list of more than 20 illnesses the VA now presumes are linked to toxic exposure during military service.
The PACT Act of 2022 expanded the list of illnesses the Department of Veterans Affairs presumes were caused by exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and other military hazards. If a veteran served in a covered location during a covered period and is later diagnosed with a presumptive condition, the VA assumes the illness is service-connected — the veteran does not have to prove it. The list includes many cancers (lung, brain, kidney, head and neck, gastrointestinal, melanoma, pancreatic, and others), respiratory illnesses (asthma diagnosed after service, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, COPD, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, and constrictive bronchiolitis), and several others such as hypertension for Vietnam-era Agent Orange veterans. New conditions get added over time. Eligible veterans should file a disability claim or get a free toxic exposure screening at any VA medical center. Surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents may also qualify for benefits.
In real life
- A post-9/11 veteran with kidney cancer files for VA disability and the VA presumes his service near burn pits caused it.
- A Vietnam veteran diagnosed with hypertension is now presumed eligible under the expanded Agent Orange list.
- A surviving spouse files DIC after her husband died of a presumptive cancer.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about PACT Act Presumptive Conditions
How do I know if I qualify?+
Check the VA's PACT Act page or get a free toxic exposure screening at any VA clinic. If you have a listed condition and served in a covered place and time, you qualify.
Do I have to prove my illness was caused by my service?+
No. That is what 'presumptive' means — the VA assumes the link if the basic conditions are met.
Can survivors file?+
Yes. Surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents may qualify for DIC, survivor pension, or other benefits.
Where can I get help filing?+
Work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office, or visit va.gov/disability/file-claim.
Source: va.gov