What the Expanded PACT Act Means for Veterans

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act has expanded again, making it easier for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins to qualify for VA disability compensation. If you were previously denied benefits for toxic exposure, you may now be eligible for reconsideration or new benefits. This change applies nationwide, including veterans in the Upper Peninsula and other regions previously underserved by VA policy.

The PACT Act now recognizes more presumptive conditions linked to toxic exposures, such as respiratory illnesses and certain cancers. This means the VA will presume your illness is service-connected if you served in eligible locations and timeframes. For a full list of new presumptive conditions, see our explainers.

Who Should Refile or Appeal Their VA Claim?

If you filed a VA disability claim for toxic exposure—such as burn pits, Agent Orange, or contaminated water—and were denied before August 10, 2022, you should review your decision letter. The expanded PACT Act now covers more locations, time periods, and medical conditions. Even if your exposure or diagnosis was not previously recognized, you may now qualify.

  • Denied claim: File a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995.
  • No prior claim: File a new claim using VA Form 21-526EZ.
  • Appeal in progress: Reference the new PACT Act provisions in your appeal or Higher-Level Review.

For step-by-step help, visit our VA claims hub.

How to File Under the New PACT Act

Start by gathering your prior denial letters, service records, and any new medical evidence. If you were denied solely because your illness was not on the presumptive list, you may not need to submit new evidence—just reference the expanded PACT Act in your Supplemental Claim. Use our disability ratings hub to understand how your condition may be rated.

Submit your claim online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. Be sure to use the correct form: VA Form 20-0995 for supplemental claims, or VA Form 21-526EZ for new claims. The VA is prioritizing PACT Act claims, but processing times can still take several months.

Deadlines and Back Pay: What to Know

If you file a Supplemental Claim within one year of the VA’s denial, you may preserve your original effective date for benefits—meaning you could receive back pay to your original claim date. For most PACT Act claims, there is no strict deadline, but acting quickly maximizes your retroactive benefits. The VA encourages all eligible veterans to file as soon as possible.

Use our VA disability rating calculator to estimate your combined rating and potential monthly compensation. For more on how PACT Act claims affect retirement or other benefits, see our military retirement hub.

Where to Get Help and More Information

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and accredited VA representatives can help you prepare and submit your claim at no cost. If you have questions about eligibility, deadlines, or documentation, check our topic explainers index or contact your local VA office.

The expanded PACT Act is a major opportunity for veterans who faced denied claims in the past. Don’t miss your chance to secure the benefits you’ve earned.