VA Ratings Guide

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  • Glioblastoma (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Glioblastoma (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of glioblastoma (pact act), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Glioblastoma (PACT Act) Under the PACT Act

    Glioblastoma and other brain cancers are presumptive conditions for veterans with qualifying service under PACT Act.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Glioblastoma (PACT Act)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for glioblastoma (pact act):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Glioblastoma (PACT Act) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of glioblastoma (pact act) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your glioblastoma (pact act) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Respiratory Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Respiratory Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of respiratory cancer (pact act), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Respiratory Cancer (PACT Act) Under the PACT Act

    Respiratory cancers including lung cancer are presumptive conditions for veterans with burn pit exposure under PACT Act.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Respiratory Cancer (PACT Act)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for respiratory cancer (pact act):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Respiratory Cancer (PACT Act) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of respiratory cancer (pact act) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your respiratory cancer (pact act) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Lymphatic Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Lymphatic Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of lymphatic cancer (pact act), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Lymphatic Cancer (PACT Act) Under the PACT Act

    Lymphatic and lymphoreticular cancers are presumptive conditions under PACT Act for eligible veterans.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Lymphatic Cancer (PACT Act)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for lymphatic cancer (pact act):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Lymphatic Cancer (PACT Act) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of lymphatic cancer (pact act) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your lymphatic cancer (pact act) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Melanoma (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Melanoma (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of melanoma (pact act), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Melanoma (PACT Act) Under the PACT Act

    Melanoma is a presumptive condition for veterans with qualifying airborne hazard exposure under PACT Act.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Melanoma (PACT Act)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for melanoma (pact act):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Melanoma (PACT Act) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of melanoma (pact act) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your melanoma (pact act) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Reproductive Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Reproductive Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of reproductive cancer (pact act), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Reproductive Cancer (PACT Act) Under the PACT Act

    Reproductive cancers are presumptive conditions for veterans with qualifying airborne hazard exposure under PACT Act.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Reproductive Cancer (PACT Act)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for reproductive cancer (pact act):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Reproductive Cancer (PACT Act) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of reproductive cancer (pact act) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your reproductive cancer (pact act) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Gastrointestinal Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Gastrointestinal Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer (pact act), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Gastrointestinal Cancer (PACT Act) Under the PACT Act

    Gastrointestinal cancers are presumptive conditions for veterans with burn pit or airborne hazard exposure.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Gastrointestinal Cancer (PACT Act)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for gastrointestinal cancer (pact act):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Gastrointestinal Cancer (PACT Act) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer (pact act) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your gastrointestinal cancer (pact act) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Head and Neck Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Head and Neck Cancer (PACT Act): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of head and neck cancer (pact act), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Head and Neck Cancer (PACT Act) Under the PACT Act

    Head and neck cancers are presumptive conditions for veterans with airborne hazard exposure under PACT Act.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Head and Neck Cancer (PACT Act)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for head and neck cancer (pact act):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Head and Neck Cancer (PACT Act) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of head and neck cancer (pact act) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your head and neck cancer (pact act) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Camp Lejeune): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Camp Lejeune): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma (camp lejeune), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Camp Lejeune) Under the PACT Act

    Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a presumptive condition for Camp Lejeune veterans.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Camp Lejeune)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for non-hodgkin’s lymphoma (camp lejeune):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Camp Lejeune) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma (camp lejeune) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your non-hodgkin’s lymphoma (camp lejeune) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of kidney cancer (camp lejeune), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune) Under the PACT Act

    Kidney cancer is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for kidney cancer (camp lejeune):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of kidney cancer (camp lejeune) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your kidney cancer (camp lejeune) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.

  • Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune): VA Disability Rating & PACT Act Presumptive Service Connection 2026

    Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune): VA Disability Rating Overview

    Presumptive Condition? Yes — under PACT Act 2022
    What “Presumptive” Means VA presumes your condition is service-connected — you do not need to prove a direct link
    Who Qualifies Veterans with qualifying service locations and dates (see below)
    Evidence Required Diagnosis + proof of qualifying service — no nexus letter needed
    How to File VA Form 21-526EZ — check the presumptive conditions box

    What Is Presumptive Service Connection?

    Presumptive service connection means VA automatically assumes your condition was caused by your military service, based on where and when you served. You do not need to prove a direct causal link between your service and your diagnosis. You only need to show: (1) you have a current diagnosis of bladder cancer (camp lejeune), and (2) you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period.

    Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune) Under the PACT Act

    Bladder cancer is one of 15 presumptive conditions for Camp Lejeune veterans exposed to contaminated water.

    Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection for Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune)?

    Under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022), veterans who served in the following locations and periods may qualify for presumptive service connection for bladder cancer (camp lejeune):

    • Southwest Asia (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon): August 2, 1990 to present
    • Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Korea (DMZ): September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 (for Agent Orange presumptives)
    • Camp Lejeune: August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987 (for water contamination presumptives)

    How to File for Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune) Under PACT Act

    1. Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of bladder cancer (camp lejeune) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
    2. Gather your service records. You need documentation showing you served in a qualifying location during a qualifying period. Your DD-214 and service personnel records are the primary evidence.
    3. File VA Form 21-526EZ. When listing your claimed condition, note that it is a presumptive condition under PACT Act. You do not need to submit a nexus letter.
    4. Submit your evidence. Include your diagnosis records and service records. VA will verify your qualifying service and make a rating decision.

    What If VA Denies Your PACT Act Claim?

    If VA denies your bladder cancer (camp lejeune) claim despite your qualifying service and diagnosis, you have three options: (1) File a Supplemental Claim with additional evidence, (2) Request a Higher-Level Review, or (3) Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. PACT Act denials are often the result of VA failing to recognize qualifying service locations — if your denial cites lack of service connection despite qualifying service, contact a VSO or accredited VA attorney immediately.

    PACT Act Filing Deadline

    There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim. However, your effective date — and therefore your back pay — is tied to when VA receives your claim. Filing sooner means more potential back pay. Veterans who filed before August 10, 2022 (the PACT Act’s enactment date) may be entitled to an earlier effective date.