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Toxic exposure · VA's own lists · you file on VA.gov
The PACT Act is a law about toxic exposure in service. This page explains its parts in plain words and links to VA's own lists. You file on VA.gov. We do not file.
Official sources last reviewed 2026-10-22.
VA's page says the law added more than 20 presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures. It also added places where VA presumes exposure, and it requires a toxic exposure screening for every veteran enrolled in VA health care.
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
VA’s PACT Act page.
Most claims need proof that service caused the condition. For a presumptive condition, VA assumes the link if you meet the service rules. You still need a diagnosis.
Some of the illnesses VA added are asthma diagnosed after service, chronic rhinitis, and chronic sinusitis. The rule for those three is 38 CFR 3.320. VA's page has the full list of cancers and illnesses. We do not copy it here, because VA keeps it up to date.
If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that your service caused the condition. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.
VA’s PACT Act page.
VA's page lists the countries and dates where it presumes burn pit and other toxic exposure. It also lists new Agent Orange locations and radiation cleanup efforts. Check where and when you served against VA's lists. We do not copy the lists here, so you always see VA's current version.
The screening is part of VA health care. It is not a claim. VA's page says to ask about it at your next VA health care appointment.
Every Veteran enrolled in VA health care will receive an initial screening and a follow-up screening at least once every 5 years.
VA’s PACT Act page.
The effective date is the date VA pay can start. Back pay is pay for the time between that date and VA's decision.
The general rule for a change in law is 38 CFR 3.114(a). It says the effective date cannot be earlier than the date the law took effect. If VA gets your request within 1 year of that date, benefits may start from that date. If VA gets it later, benefits may be paid for up to 1 year before VA got your request. You must have met all the rules on the law's date, and kept meeting them.
VA decides which date rule fits your claim. We do not promise a date or an amount. A notice of a claim (intent to file) can hold your date while you finish.
Veterans and survivors can file for benefits anytime.
VA’s PACT Act page.
If VA denied the condition before and now treats it as presumptive, VA's page points to a Supplemental Claim. You file it. We do not file.
If we denied your disability claim in the past and we now consider your condition presumptive, you can submit a Supplemental Claim.
VA’s PACT Act page.
No. VA's PACT Act page keeps the official lists. We link to it so you always see VA's current version.
No. A presumption only removes the need to prove that service caused the condition. VA still decides the claim and the rating.
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