What Is the PACT Act and Who Does It Help?

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act became law in August 2022. It is the largest expansion of VA health care and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards. If you served in the Gulf War, post-9/11 conflicts, or Vietnam and developed certain illnesses, the PACT Act may make it easier to get VA compensation.

The PACT Act adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions. This means the VA automatically assumes your illness is service-connected if you meet location and service requirements. You do not have to prove the exposure caused your illness—only that you served in a qualifying location and have a listed condition.

Which Conditions and Locations Are Covered?

The PACT Act covers veterans who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, certain parts of the Middle East, and other locations where burn pits were used. For a full list, see our PACT Act explainer. Presumptive conditions include respiratory cancers, asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and certain rare cancers.

  • Examples of covered conditions: Asthma (diagnosed after service), brain cancer, chronic sinusitis, glioblastoma, kidney cancer, and more.
  • Covered locations: Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and others (1990-present); Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, and others (for Agent Orange).

Check the full list of covered conditions and locations on the VA’s website or our VA claims hub.

How to File a PACT Act-Related VA Disability Claim

If you believe you qualify, gather your service records showing you served in a covered location and your medical records diagnosing a presumptive condition. File your claim using VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits). You can file online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.

  • Attach all medical evidence and service documents to speed up processing.
  • Mark your claim as "PACT Act-related" if filing online or note it on the form.
  • If you have previously filed and were denied, submit a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995.

For step-by-step instructions, visit our VA claims guide.

What to Expect After Filing

The VA reviews PACT Act claims under updated presumptive rules. Many claims are processed faster, but complex cases may still take several months. If approved, your disability rating determines your monthly compensation. Use our VA disability rating calculator to estimate your payment.

If your claim is denied, you have one year to appeal. Check our appeals explainer for guidance on next steps.

Support for Families and Survivors

Surviving family members may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if a veteran’s death was caused by a presumptive condition. File using VA Form 21P-534EZ. The PACT Act also expands health care eligibility for certain survivors.

For more details, visit our claims hub or contact a Veterans Service Organization for free help.