Why the PACT Act Matters for Your VA Benefits

Signed into law in August 2022, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is the largest expansion of VA benefits in decades. It adds dozens of presumptive conditions linked to toxic exposure, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazardous environments. If you served in the Gulf War, post-9/11 conflicts, or Vietnam, you may now qualify for new or increased VA disability compensation.

Veterans should review their benefits annually, but with the PACT Act changes, it’s critical to check if your service-connected conditions are now covered. The law directly impacts eligibility for monthly payments, health care, and survivor benefits. For more details, visit our VA claims hub.

Who Qualifies Under the PACT Act?

The PACT Act expands eligibility for veterans exposed to airborne hazards and toxic substances. You may qualify if you served in:

  • Afghanistan, Iraq, or other post-9/11 locations (Sept. 11, 2001–present)
  • Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, or American Samoa (1962–1975)
  • Gulf War theaters (Aug. 2, 1990–present)

The law adds over 20 new presumptive conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, certain cancers, and more. If you develop these conditions and served in qualifying locations, the VA presumes they are service-connected—no need to prove the link. See 38 CFR § 3.309 for the full list of presumptive diseases.

How to File a PACT Act VA Disability Claim

To claim new or increased benefits, file VA Form 21-526EZ. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. Include medical evidence and service records showing your deployment locations. If you previously filed and were denied for a now-presumptive condition, submit a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995.

There’s no strict deadline, but claims filed by August 9, 2023, may receive retroactive benefits back to August 10, 2022. For ongoing claims, the effective date is typically when the VA receives your application. Learn more about the process at our VA claims hub.

How Expanded Coverage Affects Disability Ratings and Compensation

If your condition is now presumptive, you may be eligible for a higher disability rating. Ratings determine your monthly payment—10% pays $171.23/month, 50% pays $1,075.16/month, and 100% pays $3,737.85/month (2024 rates). Use our VA disability rating calculator to estimate your combined rating if you have multiple conditions.

Increased ratings can also unlock additional benefits, including health care priority, property tax relief, and dependent compensation. For more on how ratings work, visit our disability ratings hub.

Next Steps: Review, Apply, and Appeal if Needed

This Veterans Day, take time to review your benefits. Check if your conditions are now covered under the PACT Act. File a new claim or supplemental claim as needed. If you disagree with a VA decision, you have one year to appeal—see our explainers index for guidance on appeals.

Don’t leave money or health care on the table. The PACT Act gives you new rights and opportunities—act now to secure the benefits you’ve earned.