The Effects of Toxic Exposure Don't Always End When Military Service Does.

For decades, Veterans have developed serious health conditions after exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxic substances during military service.

Many were initially denied VA disability compensation because they could not establish a direct connection between their medical conditions and military exposure.

Federal laws, including the PACT Act, have expanded eligibility for certain Veterans by recognizing additional presumptive conditions and qualifying service locations.

But expanded eligibility doesn't mean every claim is automatically approved or correctly rated.

Agent Orange: Your Service Location and Diagnosis Matter

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other tactical herbicides may qualify for presumptive service connection for certain medical conditions.

These include, among others, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, and certain other cancers and illnesses.

We review military service records, deployment history, diagnoses, and prior VA decisions to determine whether the Veteran qualifies for presumptive service connection.

We also consider whether complications of an already service-connected condition, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, may warrant additional disability ratings.

Burn Pit Exposure and the PACT Act

The PACT Act significantly expanded presumptive service connection for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances in certain locations.

Qualifying conditions include certain respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, COPD, and various cancers.

However, not every toxic exposure claim qualifies for a presumption. Eligibility depends on factors including the Veteran's service history, diagnosis, and the applicable law.

We evaluate whether the VA properly applied the presumptive provisions and, where appropriate, whether the evidence supports service connection on another basis.