The PACT Act is a game-changer for veterans looking to secure disability benefits and healthcare. It removes a lot of the red tape that used to make getting approved a frustrating process. Thanks to this law, veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during service now have a much easier time proving their conditions are connected to their military experience.
As of February 15, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has received more than 2.3 million PACT Act-related claims. Out of those, over 2 million have been processed, and more than 1.5 million veterans and survivors have been approved, giving the program an impressive 74.4% approval rate.
The PACT Act and Presumptive Conditions for Toxic Exposure
One of the most significant aspects of the PACT Act is the introduction of presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure. A presumptive condition means that the VA automatically assumes a veteran’s illness is connected to their service without requiring them to provide extensive proof. This change fast-tracks disability claims, making it easier for veterans to access the benefits they need and reducing the claims processing time, which currently averages 167.2 days per claim.
The PACT Act Fast-Tracks Disability Benefits for Veterans Affected by:
Agent Orange & Herbicides
The PACT Act expanded the Agent Orange presumption to veterans who served in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll. Additionally, the list of conditions tied to Agent Orange and herbicide exposure keeps growing. Agent Orange effects previously included Parkinson’s disease, respiratory cancers, bladder cancer, and hypertension. But with the PACT Act, even more conditions are recognized – such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which can lead to multiple myeloma.
Gulf War Illnesses
Gulf War veterans face chronic conditions like fatigue, joint pain, respiratory issues, and digestive problems, often linked to environmental hazards such as oil well fires and pesticides. The PACT Act has included in the list of VA presumptive conditions the chronic fatigue syndrome, functional gastrointestinal disorders, fibromyalgia, and undiagnosed illnesses with multiple symptoms. Known as Gulf War Illness, these conditions are now easier to claim as disabilities, since the PACT Act removed the service connection requirement.
Burn Pits & Airborne Hazards
Burn pits, used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and various military bases, released toxic chemicals that led to severe long-term health issues. The PACT Act recognized the effects of exposure to burn pits, oil well fires, particulate matter and sulfur fires, adding a presumption of service connection for respiratory conditions and cancers. These include chronic bronchitis, asthma, constrictive bronchiolitis, and rare cancers such as glioblastoma and head and neck cancers. In 2024, the PACT Act added 3 new presumptive conditions: male breast cancer, urethral cancer, and cancer of the paraurethral glands.
Radiation & Uranium Exposure
The PACT Act also recognizes veterans exposed to radiation and depleted uranium during nuclear testing, cleanup efforts, and other service-related duties involving radioactive materials. This includes veterans who participated in atmospheric nuclear tests, served in Hiroshima and Nagasaki post-World War II, or worked with depleted uranium munitions. The list of recognized conditions was expanded to include brain cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, head cancer, lung cancer, and lymphatic cancer, providing broader coverage for veterans impacted by radiation.
Who Can Benefit from the PACT Act?
- Previously Denied Claims May Now Be Approved – If a veteran was denied benefits for a condition now covered under the PACT Act, they should reapply immediately to secure their rightful compensation.
- Even 0% Disability Ratings Can Help – While a 0% rating means no compensation for that disability (e.g. hypertension), it still allows the veteran to access VA healthcare and use that rating to establish secondary service connection for other conditions that may qualify for compensation.
- Increase in Partial VA Disability Rating – Veterans with an existing disability rating may qualify for an increase, which can lead to higher monthly compensation and additional benefits for dependents.
- Veterans at Maximum Disability Rating – Even those receiving the maximum disability benefits should file a claim if they have a newly covered condition under the PACT Act, as it may provide additional financial support or benefits.
Veterans’ Dependents
Surviving family members of veterans can also benefit under the PACT Act. Eligible dependents, including surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents, may qualify for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the veteran was owed benefits at the time of their passing. This compensation can provide financial support to help cover living expenses, healthcare, and other essential needs.
Additionally, if a veteran had an illness now recognized under the PACT Act but was denied benefits before their passing, their surviving dependents may be eligible for retroactive compensation. This ensures that families receive the benefits the veteran was entitled to but may not have received during their lifetime.
If you are already receiving DIC benefits, the PACT Act may provide additional compensation, especially if a newly covered condition contributed to the veteran’s passing. Families should consider filing a supplemental claim to ensure they receive the maximum benefits available under the updated guidelines.
How Can the PACT Act Help Me?
Should I Submit a Claim Under the PACT Act?
If you previously had a claim denied, have a condition linked to toxic exposure, or believe your disability rating should be higher, then filing a claim under the PACT Act can be highly beneficial. Even if you have been denied in the past, the new presumptive conditions could change the outcome of your claim.
Does the PACT Act Increase Disability Ratings?
The PACT Act has allowed many veterans to increase their disability ratings due to expanded coverage of conditions linked to service-related toxic exposure. Veterans who previously received a lower rating or were denied benefits for a now-recognized condition are eligible for a rating that can lead to increased monthly compensation. Additionally, this expanded coverage acknowledges the long-term health effects of service-related hazards, ensuring veterans get the medical care and financial support they deserve.
How Much Disability Can I Get from the PACT Act?
The amount of disability compensation a veteran receives is determined by the total disability rating calculated by the VA. A higher rating leads to increased monthly payments, which can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the number of dependents a veteran has. Those with spouses, children, or dependent parents may qualify for additional allowances, further supporting their financial needs.
Is There Back Pay for the PACT Act?
Veterans eligible under the PACT Act may receive back pay dating to when they first filed a claim or when their condition was officially recognized as presumptive. This ensures they are compensated for past denials and delays in benefits. The retroactive payments account for the time veterans spent awaiting proper recognition of their service-connected conditions. This is often due to prior VA policies that excluded certain illnesses. The amount of back pay is calculated based on factors such as disability rating and the length of time since the initial claim was filed, potentially leading to substantial financial compensation for those impacted.
The PACT Act is a crucial step in acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans exposed to toxic substances. The expanded coverage under this law ensures that many conditions previously unrecognized are now considered service-connected, making it easier to access financial relief, healthcare, and additional benefits for both veterans and their families.
Whether you are filing for the first time, appealing a previous denial, or seeking an increased disability rating, the time to act is now. Contact us today for a free review of your case to see how we can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.