What is the PACT Act?
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 is one of the most significant expansions of VA benefits in history. It expands healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances during their service. The law adds more than 20 new “presumptive conditions,” meaning if you have one of these conditions and served in a specific location and time frame, the VA automatically assumes your service caused the condition, simplifying the claims process.
The Full List of New Presumptive Conditions
The PACT Act adds many new presumptive conditions for toxic and burn pit exposure. These include many types of cancer and respiratory illnesses. Some of the key additions are:
- Asthma (if diagnosed after service)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
- Emphysema
- Granulomatous disease
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Pleuritis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Several types of cancer, including head, neck, respiratory, and gastrointestinal cancers.
For a complete overview, please see our dedicated page on PACT Act VA benefits.
Who is Eligible for PACT Act Benefits?
Eligibility depends on the veteran’s service location and dates. The law covers several specific groups, including:
- Gulf War and Post-9/11 Era Veterans: Those who served in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and other locations in the Middle East.
- Vietnam Era Veterans: The law expanded presumptive locations for Agent Orange exposure to include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, and American Samoa.
How to File a PACT Act Claim (or Re-file a Denied Claim)
Filing a PACT Act claim is similar to filing any other disability claim. You can file online, by mail, or with the help of a representative. The most important step is to file a claim for your condition. If you had a claim for one of the now-presumptive conditions denied in the past, you should file a Supplemental Claim. The VA is required to re-review previously denied claims for these conditions.
What is the Average Timeline for a PACT Act Claim?
While the PACT Act simplifies the “service connection” element, the rest of the process follows the standard VA claim timeline. The VA still needs to confirm your diagnosis and determine the severity of your condition, which often requires a C&P exam. The VA has prioritized PACT Act claims, but wait times can still be several months due to the high volume of new applications.
FAQ: PACT Act
What if my condition isn’t on the presumptive list?
You can still file a claim. You will just need to provide a medical nexus linking your condition to your toxic exposure during service. This makes evidence like a Nexus Letter even more important.
I was denied before, should I file again?
Yes. If you were previously denied for a condition that is now presumptive under the PACT Act, you should file a Supplemental Claim. The VA is obligated to reconsider your case under the new, more favorable law.
Where can I find more information?
The VA’s official website is a great source, as is our comprehensive PACT Act guide linked above. Understanding your eligibility and the new rules is the first step to getting the benefits you have earned.