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.u0026nbsp;

This guide explains how the VA rates conditions associated with jet fuel exposure, who qualifies under presumptive rules (and what to do if youu0026nbsp;don’tu0026nbsp;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 u0022jet fuel exposure.u0022 Instead, each condition is rated individually under its own diagnostic code. Veterans with multiple conditions receive separate ratings combined into an overall disability percentage.u0026nbsp;u0026nbsp;

u003cstrongu003eYou can use theu0026nbsp;u003c/strongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/va-disability-calculator/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003eVA disability calculatoru003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu003cstrongu003eu0026nbsp;to estimate the combined rating and monthly compensation.u003c/strongu003eu0026nbsp;

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 ratesu0026nbsp;u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/copd-disability-rating/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003eCOPDu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu0026nbsp;(DC 6604) andu0026nbsp;u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/bronchitis-va-rating/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003echronic bronchitisu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu0026nbsp;(DC 6600)u0026nbsp;fromu0026nbsp;10% to 100% under 38 CFR 4.97. These conditions use similar PFT-basedu0026nbsp;criteria asu0026nbsp;asthma, with the addition of DLCO (diffusion capacity) testing.u0026nbsp;u0026nbsp;

Theu0026nbsp;u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/additional-benefits-for-100-percent-disabled-veterans/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003e100% ratingu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu0026nbsp;also includesu0026nbsp;coru0026nbsp;pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory failure, or the need for outpatient oxygen therapy.u0026nbsp;

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.u0026nbsp;

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:u0026nbsp;

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 u003cstrongu003e100% disability rating during treatmentu003c/strongu003e. After treatment ends, the VA maintains the 100% rating u003cstrongu003efou003c/strongu003er u003cstrongu003esix monthsu003c/strongu003e before scheduling a mandatory review. If there is no recurrence or metastasis, the condition is then rated based on u003cstrongu003eresidualsu003c/strongu003e (lasting effects).

• u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/chronic-b-cell-leukemia-and-va-disability-benefits/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002239353u0022u003eLeukemia ratingsu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e
• u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/va-disability-compensation-veterans-of-the-vietnam-era-and-non-hodgkins-lymphoma/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002238937u0022u003eNon-Hodgkin’s lymphomau003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e

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 treatmentu0026nbsp;required.u0026nbsp;

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 u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/liver-disease-va-ratings/u0022u003erates chronic liver diseaseu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 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. 

u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/kidney-disease-type-ii-diabetes/u0022u003eRenal dysfunction is rated from 0% to 100%u003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e, 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.u0026nbsp;

VA presumptions are triggered byu0026nbsp;u003cstrongu003equalifying service in specific locations during specific time periodsu003c/strongu003eu0026nbsp;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.u0026nbsp;

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.u0026nbsp;u0026nbsp;

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: 

• u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/va-disability-rating-for-cancer/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002239327u0022u003eCancers:u003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 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 
• u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/va-respiratory-ratings/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002238998u0022u003eRespiratory conditions:u003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e constrictive bronchiolitis, obliterative bronchiolitis 
• u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/brain-tumor-va-rating/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002244604u0022u003eHeadu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e, neck, and body cancers of any type for qualifying toxic-exposed veterans

If you served in a PACT Act qualifying area during a qualifyingu0026nbsp;time period, and you have a PACT-listed condition, the VA may presume service connection regardless of whether the exposure source wasu0026nbsp;burnu0026nbsp;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.u0026nbsp;

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 u003cstrongu003e(service on or after August 2, 1990)u003c/strongu003e
2. Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen u003cstrongu003e(service on or after September 11, 2001)u003c/strongu003e

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.u0026nbsp;u0026nbsp;

Presumptive Camp Lejeune conditions include adult leukemia, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple other conditions.u0026nbsp;

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. u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/gulf-war-syndrome-may-affecting-today/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002239075u0022u003eSee how the VA rates Gulf War Syndromeu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e. 

Proving Service Connection for Jet Fuel Exposure Conditions

For veterans whose conditions are u003cstrongu003enot covered under presumptive rulesu003c/strongu003e, establishing direct service connection requires three elements:

1. A current medical diagnosis confirmed by a qualified healthcare provideru0026nbsp;
2. Evidence of jet fuel exposure during military service (duty assignments, MOS, exposure incidents)u0026nbsp;
3. A medical nexus linking the current condition to in-service jet fuel exposureu0026nbsp;

u003cstrongu003eSecondary service connectionu003c/strongu003e 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, u003cstrongu003edeployment recordsu003c/strongu003e, and operational orders describing activities in areas with routine fuel exposure 
• Performance reports and evaluations mentioning u003cstrongu003eduties involving fuel operationsu003c/strongu003e, aircraft  maintenance, or flightline work 
• Maintenance logs, fuel handling records, and work orders showing u003cstrongu003eroutine contact with jet fuelu003c/strongu003e 
• Hazmat training certificates or records of occupational health briefings related to fuel exposureu0026nbsp;
• Flightline rosters, duty schedules, and assignment orders placing you in fuel-exposed environmentsu0026nbsp;
• Incident reports or spill documentation from u003cstrongu003efuel leaksu003c/strongu003e, tank ruptures, or decontamination events 
• Base environmental reports, industrial hygiene surveys, or DoD environmental u003cstrongu003econtamination recordsu003c/strongu003e for your installation
• Personal statements and u003cstrongu003ebuddy statementsu003c/strongu003e from fellow service members describing the frequency and duration of fuel exposure, working conditions, and u003cstrongu003elack of personal protective equipment (PPE)u003c/strongu003e 

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

• Post-service u003cstrongu003emedical recordsu003c/strongu003e documenting onset and progression of symptoms
• VA toxic exposure u003cstrongu003escreening resultsu003c/strongu003e from VA health care visits
• A strong nexus (a u003cstrongu003emedical opinion from a licensed provideru003c/strongu003e 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 u003cstrongu003eu0022at least as likely as notu0022 (50% or greater probability)u003c/strongu003e related to service. 

An effective nexus letter should reference u003cstrongu003epeer-reviewed scientific literatureu003c/strongu003e 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 u003cstrongu003eLIFE Study (Long-Term Impact of Fuel Exposure)u003c/strongu003e is now following 1.35 million veterans across all service branches to build the definitive long-term evidence base. 

Thisu0026nbsp;u003ca href=u0022https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12470227/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003elandmark reviewu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu0026nbsp;from 2025 examined 28 studies and confirmed associations between military jet fuel exposure and neurological, respiratory, and other outcomes.u0026nbsp;

Respiratory Conditions

The 2025 LIFE study and the 2023 congressionally mandated reportu0026nbsp;u003ca href=u0022https://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exposures/Condensed_Jet_Fuels_Report.pdfu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003eHealth Effects of Jet Fuels Used by Armed Forcesu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu0026nbsp;found evidence of associations between military jet fuel exposure and multiple respiratory issues, including reduced lung function, breathing difficulties, and chronic airway irritation.u0026nbsp;

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)u0026nbsp;
• u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/establishing-proper-va-rating-asthma/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002238778u0022u003eOccupational asthmau003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e and u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/va-disability-ratings-for-reactive-airway-disease/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002239478u0022u003ereactive airway diseaseu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 
• Chronic bronchitisu0026nbsp;
• u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/pulmonary-fibrosis-va-rating/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002244615u0022u003ePulmonary fibrosisu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 
• 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’su0026nbsp;u003ca href=u0022https://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exposures/Condensed_Jet_Fuels_Report.pdfu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003eHealth Effects of Jet Fuels reportu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu0026nbsp;identifiedu0026nbsp;impaired memory,u0026nbsp;hearingu0026nbsp;and vision as documented neurological outcomes.u0026nbsp;

u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/how-does-the-va-rate-diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003ePeripheral neuropathyu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e is one of the more commonly reported neurological disorders among veterans. Other effects include:

• Cognitive impairment and difficulty concentratingu0026nbsp;
• u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/do-my-headaches-qualify-me-for-va-benefits/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002239653u0022u003eChronic headachesu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e and u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/veterans-service-connected-migraines/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002239084u0022u003emigrainesu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 
• Memory loss and executive function declineu0026nbsp;
• Mood disorders, including depression and anxietyu0026nbsp;
• 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)u0026nbsp;
• Non-Hodgkin lymphomau0026nbsp;
• Kidney canceru0026nbsp;
• Bladder canceru0026nbsp;
• 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.u0026nbsp;

u003cstrongu003eCurrent research on the association with jet fuel is unclearu003c/strongu003e, 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. u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/free-case-evaluation/u0022 type=u0022pageu0022 id=u0022505u0022u003eGet a free evaluation to see if we can help prove your case.u003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 

Skin Conditions

Direct skin contact with jet fuel is known to have caused irritation, dermatitis, and rashes in U.S. Navy sailors (u003ca href=u0022https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28290976/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003eJet Fuel-Associated Occupational Contact Dermatitis, Military Medicine, Vol. 182u003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e).u0026nbsp;

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 specialtyu0026nbsp;
• Service treatment records and any in-service documentation of exposure or related symptomsu0026nbsp;
• Current medical records with a formal diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provideru0026nbsp;
• Au0026nbsp;u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/how-to-make-sure-a-nexus-letter-effectively-supports-your-va-claim/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003enexus letteru003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu0026nbsp;from a medical professional linking the condition to jet fuel exposure during serviceu0026nbsp;
• Personal statement describing the circumstances of exposure and its impact on healthu0026nbsp;
• (Optional but helpful) Buddy statements from fellow service members who can corroborate exposureu0026nbsp;

The Cu0026amp;P Examination 

The VA may require a Compensation and Pension (Cu0026amp;P) medical examination to evaluate the severity of the claimed condition. 

• Gather and organize all medical documentation before the examu0026nbsp;
• Prepare a detailed list of all symptoms, including frequency and severityu0026nbsp;
• Be honest, specific, and thorough when describing symptoms to the examineru0026nbsp;
• Describe your worst days, not just your average daysu0026nbsp;
• Consider bringing a spouse, family member, or companion who can provideu0026nbsp;additionalu0026nbsp;contextu0026nbsp;
• Follow up withu0026nbsp;additionalu0026nbsp;evidence if the exam does not fully capture your condition

u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/veterans-benefits-book-mail-book/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003eThe Road to VA Compensationu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003eu003cstrongu003e, a free book for veterans, explains the claims process in detail.u003c/strongu003e 

Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

When jet fuel exposure conditions prevent a veteran from keeping a job, u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/unemployability-iu-guide/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003eTotal Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)u003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e 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: 

• u003cstrongu003eChronic respiratory impairmentu003c/strongu003e that limits physical exertion and stamina 
• Persistent u003cstrongu003eneurological symptomsu003c/strongu003e, including cognitive deficits and neuropathy 
• Severe u003cstrongu003efatigueu003c/strongu003e that interferes with concentration and productivity 
• Ongoing cancer treatment and its debilitating side effects 
• u003cstrongu003eMedication side effectsu003c/strongu003e that impair focus or coordination 
• Combination of multiple conditions that collectively prevent employmentu0026nbsp;

u003cstrongu003eYou do not need to be completely unable to work to qualify for TDIU. The standard is whether employment can be performed consistently and reliablyu003c/strongu003e.

TDIU Eligibility Paths

1. u003cstrongu003eSchedular TDIU: u003c/strongu003eOne service-connected disability rated at u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/60-va-disability-ratings/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003e60%u003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e or higher, or a combined rating of u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/70-va-disability-rating-compensation/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003e70% u003c/strongu003eu003c/au003ewith at least one condition rated at 40% or higher. 
2. u003cstrongu003eExtraschedular TDIU:u003c/strongu003e 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 u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/tdiu-attorneys/u0022 type=u0022pageu0022 id=u002242008u0022u003ean experienced TDIU lawyeru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 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 u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/va-benefits-special-monthly-compensation/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002238850u0022u003elevels of SMCu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e. 

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. u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/smc-s-housebound-requirements/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002243663u0022u003eFind out more about SMC-S.u003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 

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. u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/smc-l-requirements/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002243667u0022u003eEligibility for SMC-Lu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e 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, u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/additional-compensation-smc-k/u0022 type=u0022postu0022 id=u002239015u0022u003eSMC-K may applyu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e when conditions result in permanent functional loss, such as:

• Loss of effective use of the feet or hands from peripheral neuropathyu0026nbsp;
• Vision loss due to toxic exposure-related eye conditionsu0026nbsp;
• Erectile dysfunction that develops as a secondary conditionu0026nbsp;
• Hearing loss linked to chemical exposure

Hill u0026amp; 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 u003ca href=u0022https://www.hillandponton.com/free-case-evaluation/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cstrongu003efree case evaluationu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e.