PACT Act VA Disability Conditions: Complete 2026 Presumptive List
Quick Answer
The PACT Act (signed August 2022) added over 20 new presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and radiation. If you served in Southwest Asia after August 2, 1990, or Vietnam, Korea, or certain other locations, you may qualify for these conditions without proving a direct service connection.
PACT Act Burn Pit / Airborne Hazard Presumptive Conditions
Veterans who served in Southwest Asia (Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Syria, Lebanon) or certain other locations after August 2, 1990, may qualify for these presumptive conditions:
| Condition | Typical Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Constrictive bronchiolitis | 30-100% | Rare but serious lung condition from burn pit smoke |
| Obliterative bronchiolitis | 60-100% | Severe airway obstruction |
| Constrictive pericarditis | 30-100% | Heart condition from toxic exposure |
| Granulomatous disease | 10-60% | Inflammatory condition from particle inhalation |
| Sarcoidosis | 10-100% | Inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs |
| Head cancer | 100% (active) | Any malignant cancer of the head |
| Neck cancer | 100% (active) | Any malignant cancer of the neck |
| Respiratory cancer | 100% (active) | Lung, bronchus, trachea, larynx |
| Gastrointestinal cancer | 100% (active) | Esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, anus |
| Reproductive cancer | 100% (active) | Cervical, uterine, ovarian, testicular |
| Lymphatic cancer | 100% (active) | Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease |
| Urinary cancer | 100% (active) | Kidney, bladder, ureter |
| Melanoma | 100% (active) | Malignant skin cancer |
| Any cancer not listed above | 100% (active) | Any malignant cancer not otherwise listed |
Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions (Vietnam Era)
Veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 (or in certain other locations where Agent Orange was used) qualify for these presumptive conditions:
| Condition | Typical Rating |
|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus | 10-100% |
| Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma | 100% (active) |
| Soft tissue sarcoma | 100% (active) |
| Chloracne | 10-30% |
| Porphyria cutanea tarda | 10-30% |
| Ischemic heart disease | 10-100% |
| Parkinson’s disease | 30-100% |
| Hairy cell leukemia | 100% (active) |
| Chronic B-cell leukemia | 100% (active) |
| Multiple myeloma | 100% (active) |
| Prostate cancer | 100% (active) |
| Respiratory cancers | 100% (active) |
| Bladder cancer | 100% (active) |
| Hypothyroidism | 10-60% |
| Hypertension | 10-60% |
| Monoclonal gammopathy (MGUS) | 0-30% |
Gulf War Illness Presumptive Conditions
Veterans who served in Southwest Asia after August 2, 1990, may qualify for Gulf War illness presumptive conditions — undiagnosed illnesses or medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses (MUCMI):
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (IBS, functional dyspepsia)
- Undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms including: fatigue, skin rash, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, neurological symptoms, respiratory symptoms, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular symptoms, abnormal weight loss, menstrual disorders
How to File a PACT Act Claim
- File VA Form 21-526EZ — Check the box for “Exposure to hazardous materials” and specify burn pit/Agent Orange/radiation as applicable
- No nexus letter required — For presumptive conditions, you only need to document your service location and the diagnosis. You do not need to prove the condition was caused by service
- Gather service records — DD-214 showing service in qualifying location and dates
- Get a diagnosis — A current diagnosis from any licensed physician (VA or private) is required
- File immediately — The PACT Act allows retroactive claims. Veterans denied before August 2022 can refile
Source: Public Law 117-168, Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act). VA.gov/PACT.
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