What Is the PACT Act and Who Qualifies?

The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022) expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. If you served in locations like Iraq, Afghanistan, or Vietnam and now have certain illnesses, you may qualify for presumptive service connection under 38 CFR §3.320. This means you do not have to prove your illness was caused by your service—if you served in a covered location and have a covered condition, the VA presumes the link.

Common qualifying conditions include cancers, respiratory illnesses, and chronic bronchitis. Check the full list of presumptive conditions and eligible service locations on the VA’s explainers page. Family members of deceased veterans may also be eligible for survivor benefits if the veteran’s death was related to a PACT Act condition.

Lawton PACT Act Event: What to Expect

On September 23, Lawton Indian Health Services and the VA will host a PACT Act outreach event. Veterans can get help filing new claims, submitting supplemental evidence, and understanding their eligibility. Bring your DD214, medical records, and any supporting documentation about your condition or exposure.

VA staff will help you complete VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits). If you already have a claim and need to add a new condition, bring VA Form 20-0995 (Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim). You can also get information about expanded VA health care enrollment and TRICARE options.

How to File a PACT Act Claim

To start your claim, complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it online, by mail, or in person at the event. List every condition you believe is related to toxic exposure. Include details of your service locations and dates, and attach any medical evidence you have. The VA will use the new presumptive rules to review your claim.

If you’re unsure about your disability rating, use our VA disability rating calculator to estimate your combined rating. Higher ratings mean greater monthly compensation. For more details on the claims process, visit our VA claims hub.

Deadlines, Appeals, and Next Steps

If you were previously denied for a condition now covered by the PACT Act, you can file a supplemental claim using VA Form 20-0995. There is no deadline to file a new PACT Act claim, but earlier filing means earlier benefits. If you disagree with a VA decision, you have one year from the date of the decision letter to appeal.

Keep copies of all forms and correspondence. For help with appeals, see our explainers index. If you have questions about how PACT Act benefits interact with military retirement or TRICARE, visit our military retirement hub.

Expanded Health Care and Compensation

The PACT Act also expands eligibility for VA health care. Even if you don’t have a service-connected disability, you may now qualify for VA medical care based on your deployment history. This includes free screenings and priority enrollment.

Compensation rates depend on your disability rating and number of dependents. For 2026, a 70% disabled veteran with a spouse receives about $1,716.28 per month. For full details, see our disability ratings hub.