Jet Fuel Exposure and VA Disability: Winning Ratings and Extra Compensation

If you handled, stored, or worked near military jet fuel (JP-4, JP-5, JP-8) during service, you may qualify for VA disability benefits for conditions like COPD, asthma, cancer, peripheral neuropathy, liver or kidney disease, and more. 

The PACT Act and its expansions created presumptive pathways for many conditions, meaning you may not need to prove they were caused by jet fuel exposure. With multiple conditions rated separately, combined ratings of 70% or more are within reach. Veterans with severe disabilities may also qualify for TDIU (pay at 100% rate) or Special Monthly Compensation. 

This guide explains how the VA rates conditions associated with jet fuel exposure, who qualifies under presumptive rules (and what to do if you don’t qualify), and how to build a successful claim.

VA Benefits and Disability Ratings for Jet Fuel Exposure Conditions

The VA does not assign a single disability rating for “jet fuel exposure.” Instead, each condition is rated individually under its own diagnostic code. Veterans with multiple conditions receive separate ratings combined into an overall disability percentage.  

You can use the VA disability calculator to estimate the combined rating and monthly compensation. 

Bronchial Asthma Ratings (DC 6602)

The VA rates bronchial asthma from 10% to 100% under Diagnostic Code 6602, based on pulmonary function test (PFT) results, frequency of exacerbations, and medication requirements.

Rating	Rating Criteria
100%	FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or requires daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications
60%	FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, or intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic corticosteroids
30%	FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or inhalational anti-inflammatory medication
10%	FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy

COPD and Chronic Bronchitis Ratings (DC 6604/6600)

The VA rates COPD (DC 6604) and chronic bronchitis (DC 6600) from 10% to 100% under 38 CFR 4.97. These conditions use similar PFT-based criteria as asthma, with the addition of DLCO (diffusion capacity) testing.  

The 100% rating also includes cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory failure, or the need for outpatient oxygen therapy. 

Peripheral Neuropathy Ratings

The VA rates peripheral neuropathy based on the affected nerve and degree of impairment, with each affected limb is rated separately. Lower extremity neuropathy is typically rated under DC 8520 (sciatic nerve), while upper extremity neuropathy uses DC 8515 (median nerve) or other nerve-specific codes. 

Lower Extremity (DC 8520, Sciatic Nerve)

Rating	Rating Criteria
80%	Complete paralysis: the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost
60%	Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy
40%	Moderately severe incomplete paralysis
20%	Moderate incomplete paralysis
10%	Mild incomplete paralysis

Note: When peripheral neuropathy involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. 

Upper Extremity (DC 8515, Median Nerve)

Ratings for the median nerve differ between the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) hand: 

Rating (Major/Minor)	Rating Criteria
70% / 60%	Complete paralysis: hand inclined to the ulnar side, considerable atrophy of thenar eminence, pronation incomplete, cannot make a fist, defective opposition and abduction of thumb
50% / 40%	Severe incomplete paralysis
30% / 20%	Moderate incomplete paralysis
10% / 10%	Mild incomplete paralysis

Cancer Ratings

Active cancers associated with jet fuel exposure (leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) receive a 100% disability rating during treatment. After treatment ends, the VA maintains the 100% rating for six months before scheduling a mandatory review. If there is no recurrence or metastasis, the condition is then rated based on residuals (lasting effects).

• Leukemia ratings
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Dermatitis and Skin Condition Ratings (DC 7806)

The VA rates dermatitis and eczema from 0% to 60% under Diagnostic Code 7806 (38 CFR 4.118), based on the percentage of body area affected and the type of treatment required. 

Rating	Rating Criteria
60%	More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period
30%	20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or systemic therapy required for a total duration of six weeks or more (but not constantly) during the past 12-month period
10%	At least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, or intermittent systemic therapy required for less than six weeks during the past 12-month period
0%	Less than 5 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period

Liver and Kidney Condition Ratings

The VA rates chronic liver disease from 0% to 100% under Diagnostic Code 7345 (38 CFR 4.114), based on the frequency and severity of symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, nausea, anorexia, and incapacitating episodes. The 100% rating applies when symptoms are near-constant and debilitating. 

Renal dysfunction is rated from 0% to 100%, based on laboratory findings (albumin, BUN, creatinine levels) and functional impact. The 100% rating applies when regular dialysis is required or when the condition prevents the veteran from working. See all ratings for kidney disease. 

Presumptive Conditions: Do You Qualify?

When a condition is presumptive, the veteran does not need to prove a direct causal connection between their service and the disease. The VA presumes the connection exists based on documented service history and diagnosis. 

VA presumptions are triggered by qualifying service in specific locations during specific time periods combined with a diagnosed condition that appears on the VA’s presumptive list. The presumption is not triggered by exposure to a specific substance (such as jet fuel, burn pit smoke, or dust) in isolation. 

PACT Act Presumptive Conditions

The PACT Act of 2022 expanded presumptive service connection for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including those exposed to jet fuel and its combustion byproducts through burn pit operations.  

The presumptive framework significantly reduces the evidentiary burden compared to a standard direct service connection claim, though veterans must still have a current diagnosis and qualifying service. Presumptive conditions include: 

• Cancers: bladder cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, lymphatic cancer, leukemia (including acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma), melanoma, pancreatic cancer, reproductive cancers, and respiratory cancers of any type 
• Respiratory conditions: constrictive bronchiolitis, obliterative bronchiolitis 
• Head, neck, and body cancers of any type for qualifying toxic-exposed veterans

If you served in a PACT Act qualifying area during a qualifying time period, and you have a PACT-listed condition, the VA may presume service connection regardless of whether the exposure source was burn pits, fuel, dust, or other airborne hazards. This means veterans with jet fuel exposure histories only need to show qualifying service and a listed diagnosis. 

Qualifying Service Periods and Locations

1. Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, United Arab Emirates, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea (service on or after August 2, 1990)
2. Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen (service on or after September 11, 2001)

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may qualify for presumptive service connection. The water contamination included benzene and petroleum hydrocarbons from leaking underground fuel storage tanks, meaning jet fuel components were directly part of the contamination.  

Presumptive Camp Lejeune conditions include adult leukemia, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple other conditions. 

Gulf War Undiagnosed Illness

Gulf War veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater may also qualify under the VA presumption for undiagnosed illnesses and medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses. See how the VA rates Gulf War Syndrome. 

Proving Service Connection for Jet Fuel Exposure Conditions

For veterans whose conditions are not covered under presumptive rules, establishing direct service connection requires three elements:

1. A current medical diagnosis confirmed by a qualified healthcare provider 
2. Evidence of jet fuel exposure during military service (duty assignments, MOS, exposure incidents) 
3. A medical nexus linking the current condition to in-service jet fuel exposure 

Secondary service connection is also an option, when a new condition develops as a result of an already service-connected disability. For example, a veteran with service-connected chronic bronchitis from jet fuel exposure who later develops sleep apnea or depression may claim those as secondary conditions. 

Documenting Your Jet Fuel Exposure

MOS codes and duty assignments establish what you did, but practical evidence makes your exposure claim concrete and credible. Gather as much of the following as possible:

• Unit histories, deployment records, and operational orders describing activities in areas with routine fuel exposure 
• Performance reports and evaluations mentioning duties involving fuel operations, aircraft  maintenance, or flightline work 
• Maintenance logs, fuel handling records, and work orders showing routine contact with jet fuel 
• Hazmat training certificates or records of occupational health briefings related to fuel exposure 
• Flightline rosters, duty schedules, and assignment orders placing you in fuel-exposed environments 
• Incident reports or spill documentation from fuel leaks, tank ruptures, or decontamination events 
• Base environmental reports, industrial hygiene surveys, or DoD environmental contamination records for your installation
• Personal statements and buddy statements from fellow service members describing the frequency and duration of fuel exposure, working conditions, and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) 

What Medical Evidence Can Help You Win a Jet Fuel Exposure Claim?

• Post-service medical records documenting onset and progression of symptoms
• VA toxic exposure screening results from VA health care visits
• A strong nexus (a medical opinion from a licensed provider explaining how a veteran’s condition is connected to military service)

The nexus letter should address how toxic compounds in military jet fuels cause or contribute to the diagnosed condition, stating the connection is “at least as likely as not” (50% or greater probability) related to service. 

An effective nexus letter should reference peer-reviewed scientific literature linking jet fuel compounds to the veteran’s specific condition. Medical providers with experience in occupational or environmental medicine are particularly valuable for these opinions. 

Research Showing Veterans Are Affected by Jet Fuel Exposure

The toxic compounds in military jet fuels can enter the body through inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion. The damage often develops gradually over years or decades after service. The VA and DoD’s LIFE Study (Long-Term Impact of Fuel Exposure) is now following 1.35 million veterans across all service branches to build the definitive long-term evidence base. 

This landmark review from 2025 examined 28 studies and confirmed associations between military jet fuel exposure and neurological, respiratory, and other outcomes. 

Respiratory Conditions

The 2025 LIFE study and the 2023 congressionally mandated report Health Effects of Jet Fuels Used by Armed Forces found evidence of associations between military jet fuel exposure and multiple respiratory issues, including reduced lung function, breathing difficulties, and chronic airway irritation. 

This is a documented pattern in veterans with jet fuel exposure histories, and it can support your disability claim for disabilities such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
• Occupational asthma and reactive airway disease 
• Chronic bronchitis 
• Pulmonary fibrosis 
• Reduced lung capacity and persistent shortness of breath

Neurological Effects

The neurotoxic compounds in JP-4 and JP-8 can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing progressive damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems. VA’s Health Effects of Jet Fuels report identified impaired memory, hearing and vision as documented neurological outcomes. 

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the more commonly reported neurological disorders among veterans. Other effects include:

• Cognitive impairment and difficulty concentrating 
• Chronic headaches and migraines 
• Memory loss and executive function decline 
• Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety 
• Balance and coordination problems

Cancer Risk

Benzene, a known carcinogen present in all military jet fuels, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Veterans with jet fuel exposure histories may face increased risk for: 

• Leukemia (particularly acute myeloid leukemia) 
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 
• Kidney cancer 
• Bladder cancer 
• Lung cancer

Liver and Kidney Damage 

Jet fuel compounds are metabolized primarily through the liver and excreted through the kidneys, making these organs especially vulnerable to cumulative damage. Veterans may develop liver dysfunction, digestive problems, and chronic kidney disease. 

Current research on the association with jet fuel is unclear, making it even more important to present a strong medical opinion from an expert. Some veterans could qualify for kidney disease or kidney cancer as presumptive conditions. Get a free evaluation to see if we can help prove your case. 

Skin Conditions

Direct skin contact with jet fuel is known to have caused irritation, dermatitis, and rashes in U.S. Navy sailors (Jet Fuel-Associated Occupational Contact Dermatitis, Military Medicine, Vol. 182). 

The condition often persists well beyond the period of direct contact and requires ongoing dermatological management. Chronic exposure can lead to contact dermatitis, chemical burns, and increased sensitivity to other irritants.

Making a Jet Fuel Exposure Claim

Documentation

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) showing service dates and military occupational specialty 
• Service treatment records and any in-service documentation of exposure or related symptoms 
• Current medical records with a formal diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider 
• A nexus letter from a medical professional linking the condition to jet fuel exposure during service 
• Personal statement describing the circumstances of exposure and its impact on health 
• (Optional but helpful) Buddy statements from fellow service members who can corroborate exposure 

The C&P Examination 

The VA may require a Compensation and Pension (C&P) medical examination to evaluate the severity of the claimed condition. 

• Gather and organize all medical documentation before the exam 
• Prepare a detailed list of all symptoms, including frequency and severity 
• Be honest, specific, and thorough when describing symptoms to the examiner 
• Describe your worst days, not just your average days 
• Consider bringing a spouse, family member, or companion who can provide additional context 
• Follow up with additional evidence if the exam does not fully capture your condition

The Road to VA Compensation, a free book for veterans, explains the claims process in detail. 

Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

When jet fuel exposure conditions prevent a veteran from keeping a job, Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) may allow compensation at the 100% rate, even if the combined standard rating is lower.  

TDIU is based on functional impact, not diagnosis alone. The VA evaluates whether service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment (regular work earning above poverty level). For jet fuel exposure veterans, work limitations commonly stem from: 

• Chronic respiratory impairment that limits physical exertion and stamina 
• Persistent neurological symptoms, including cognitive deficits and neuropathy 
• Severe fatigue that interferes with concentration and productivity 
• Ongoing cancer treatment and its debilitating side effects 
• Medication side effects that impair focus or coordination 
• Combination of multiple conditions that collectively prevent employment 

You do not need to be completely unable to work to qualify for TDIU. The standard is whether employment can be performed consistently and reliably.

TDIU Eligibility Paths

1. Schedular TDIU: One service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70% with at least one condition rated at 40% or higher. 
2. Extraschedular TDIU: Veterans who do not meet the schedular thresholds but can prove that service-connected conditions still prevent substantially gainful employment. 

A successful TDIU claim will require medical records, employer statements, and vocational assessments showing how conditions interfere with job performance. Assistance from an experienced TDIU lawyer can also make the difference between denial and approval by the VA. 

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

SMC is additional, tax-free VA compensation going beyond the standard disability benefits. It is granted when service-connected disabilities cause severe limitations that are not fully reflected by percentage ratings alone. Veterans with advanced jet fuel exposure conditions may qualify for several levels of SMC. 

SMC-S (Housebound Status)

SMC-S provides additional compensation when service-connected disabilities substantially confine a veteran to the home. Veterans with severe respiratory disease, advanced cancer, or debilitating neurological conditions from jet fuel exposure may qualify. Find out more about SMC-S. 

SMC-L (Aid and Attendance)

This benefit provides additional compensation when a veteran requires the regular assistance of another person due to service-connected disabilities. Eligibility for SMC-L is based on the inability to perform personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, managing medications, or protecting oneself from daily hazards. 

SMC-K (Loss of Use or Loss of Function)

Additional compensation is granted for the loss or loss of use of specific body parts or bodily functions. For jet fuel exposure veterans, SMC-K may apply when conditions result in permanent functional loss, such as:

• Loss of effective use of the feet or hands from peripheral neuropathy 
• Vision loss due to toxic exposure-related eye conditions 
• Erectile dysfunction that develops as a secondary condition 
• Hearing loss linked to chemical exposure

Hill & Ponton’s VA-accredited attorneys help disabled veterans get the full range of benefits available. If you were exposed to jet fuel during service and are experiencing health problems that the VA hasn’t compensated appropriately, contact us for a free case evaluation.