What Is the PACT Act and Who Qualifies?

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, signed into law in 2022, significantly expands VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. This includes burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazardous exposures during military service. If you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other specified locations and developed certain illnesses, you may now qualify for presumptive VA disability compensation.

The PACT Act covers veterans from the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. To see if your service location and condition are covered, review the full list on the VA claims hub or check 38 CFR § 3.320.

What Conditions Are Now Presumptive Under the PACT Act?

The PACT Act adds over 20 new presumptive conditions. These include respiratory illnesses (like asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD), certain cancers (such as brain, kidney, and pancreatic), and more. If you develop a listed condition and served in a qualifying location, the VA presumes it is service-connected—making your claim process faster and less burdensome.

  • Examples of new presumptive conditions: asthma, chronic sinusitis, glioblastoma, head and neck cancers, reproductive cancers, and more.
  • See the full list of covered conditions and locations on the explainers index.

How to File a PACT Act VA Disability Claim

Start by gathering your service records (showing location and dates of deployment) and medical evidence of your condition. File your claim using VA Form 21-526EZ—the standard form for disability compensation. You can submit your claim online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at your local VA office or with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

If you already filed a claim for a now-presumptive condition and were denied before August 10, 2022, you can file a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995. There is no deadline to file, but claims submitted by August 9, 2023, may be eligible for retroactive benefits back to August 10, 2022.

What to Expect After Filing: Process and Timelines

Once you file, the VA will review your claim and may request a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. Thanks to the presumptive status, you do not need to prove the link between your service and your illness—only that you have the condition and served in a qualifying location and period.

Average processing times for PACT Act claims are around 125-150 days, but can vary. Check your claim status online and respond promptly to any VA requests for more information. If approved, your disability rating will determine your monthly compensation—use our VA disability rating calculator to estimate your payment.

Additional Resources and Support

Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) in Michigan and nationwide are trained to help with PACT Act claims at no cost. Reach out to your county VSO or local VA office for help gathering evidence, completing forms, and appealing denials. For more details on the claims process, visit our VA claims hub.