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
- Get a diagnosis. You need a current diagnosis of glioblastoma (pact act) from a licensed physician. VA will accept private medical records.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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