The PACT Act expands the number of persons who are eligible for VA health care and includes suspected hazardous exposure-related disorders that may qualify veterans for disability compensation.
A veteran is not required to show a causal relationship between their military service and a suspected ailment in order to obtain benefits. Instead, they must meet the service standards of the assumption.
In this article, we will list all the presumptive conditions added under the PACT Act alongside a short brief on the Act.
PACT Act
The PACT Act is designed to widen and strengthen VA healthcare eligibility for veterans who have been exposed to hazardous substances, particularly those who fought during the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the years after September 11, 2001.
Furthermore, the legislation adds over 20 additional presumptive criteria for hazardous chemicals, Agent Orange, and burn pit exposure.
One of the key criteria of the PACT Act is that every veteran enrolling in VA health care undergo a hazardous exposure test. This will make it simpler to find veterans who may have been exposed to hazardous substances while serving and ensure they receive the right care and compensation.
PACT Act Presumptive Conditions
The following is a list of typical PACT Act-related illnesses that may be eligible for VA disability benefits:
- Asthma that was diagnosed after service
- Pleuritis
- Chronic bronchitis
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Emphysema
- Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Granulomatous disease
- Neck cancer of any type
- Pancreatic cancer
- Reproductive cancer of any type
- Lymphoma of any type
- Kidney cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic rhinitis
- Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type
- Head cancer of any type
- Lymphatic cancer of any type
- Sarcoidosis
- Brain cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
- Glioblastoma
- Melanoma
(This is not a complete list)
PACT Act Presumptive Conditions Rating
The VA assigns a rating to PACT Act-related diseases based on the severity of symptoms and how they impair a veteran’s daily life. Ratings are given in 10-point increments on a scale of 0 to 100.
The VA considers criteria such as supporting medical documentation, the veteran’s reported symptoms, and how those symptoms interfere with their ability to work and perform daily tasks.
Certain rating criteria are used to determine the appropriate rating for each situation. The degree of care required, the frequency and intensity of symptoms, and how the condition affects the veteran’s functioning abilities are all potential qualifying considerations.
When filing a claim, veterans must understand the rating standards since a better rating may result in greater monthly compensation. By giving accurate and full information, including medical documents and symptom data, a more accurate rating judgment may be produced.
How to Get Disability Benefits for PACT Act Presumptive Conditions
When applying for VA disability compensation for conditions covered by the PACT Act, it is critical to understand the claims procedure. You should also provide accurate and complete information. The following are critical considerations:
- Each phase in the claims procedure involves filing a claim, presenting supporting evidence, attending a medical examination, and then waiting for the VA’s decision.
- Claims can be submitted in person, by mail, or online at a VA regional office. The application must contain the veteran’s military service, hazardous exposure, and a list of the ailments for which compensation is sought.
- To determine if the conditions are linked to hazardous exposure while serving in the military, the VA will need to examine the veteran’s medical history, service records, and other data. As a result, it is critical to give exact and comprehensive information. Giving detailed information speeds up the process and ensures the veteran receives the right pay.
- The veteran must show medical paperwork demonstrating a current diagnosis of the disorder as well as documentation indicating a relationship between the disease and hazardous exposure. This may include service histories, medical histories, and expert medical testimony.
Contact VA Disability Coach to get help with your claiming process and avoid denial.
Conclusion
The PACT Act is a big step forward in improving healthcare eligibility and disability compensation for veterans who were exposed to hazardous chemicals while serving in the military. This critical law not only celebrates veterans’ sacrifices but also gives them the help they need, particularly those who fought during the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 era.
The PACT Act’s list of presumed diseases is vast, giving veterans more possibilities to obtain disability compensation without having to demonstrate an obvious link between their military service and their symptoms. The grading system established by the VA guarantees that veterans get adequate compensation depending on the severity of their symptoms and the impact on their daily lives.