Important PACT Act Update: VA Expands Presumptive Conditions – Easier for Veterans to Get Benefits

Since its implementation in August 2022, the PACT Act has been a monumental step forward for Veterans. It has already made it easier for thousands of Veterans to get the healthcare and benefits they deserve, and it continues to improve. Effective January 10, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) added several new cancers to its presumptive conditions list for Veterans exposed to toxins during the Gulf War and Post-9/11 conflicts.

What does this mean for Veterans? Lets dive in. 

Why Do Presumptive Conditions Matter In My VA Disability Claim?

In any VA disability claim, Veterans are required to prove three main elements:

1. A current disability — This is the condition or illness you’re seeking benefits for.
2. An in-service stressor — An event or exposure during your military service that caused or contributed to the disability.
3. Medical nexus — The most challenging element for many Veterans. Nexus is the link between your current disability and your in-service stressor, and it typically requires a medical professional’s opinion stating that it is at least “50/50” likely the condition is connected to your military service.

If you’ve ever gone through a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, you know how hard it can be to secure a favorable nexus opinion. Even with strong medical evidence and a clear connection to service, getting that professional opinion in your favor can be a significant hurdle.

The Power of Presumptive Conditions

When the VA designates a condition as presumptive, it significantly simplifies the process for Veterans. Essentially, the VA is waiving the need for the medical nexus, meaning you no longer have to prove that the condition is directly related to your service. If you meet the other two criteria (current disability and in-service exposure), your claim could be approved without the added challenge of proving nexus.

This reduces the burden for Veterans to receive no-cost healthcare and earned benefits, speeding up the approval process and making it more accessible for those who need it most.

What New Cancers Have Been Added to the Presumptive List?

As of January 10, 2025, the VA has added several cancers to the presumptive conditions list, specifically for Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during the Gulf War or Post-9/11 conflicts.

These newly added presumptive conditions included in the PACT Act:

• Acute and chronic leukemias
• Multiple myelomas
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Myelofibrosis
• Various cancers of the genitourinary system

This is a huge development for Veterans who suffer from these specific cancers. For many of them, the difficult task of proving a medical nexus has been holding up their claims for benefits, and this new designation will allow them to bypass that roadblock.

What Do The PACT Act Updates Mean for Veterans?

If you are a Veteran who has been diagnosed with any of these newly added conditions in the PACT Act, and you served in a location or period deemed presumptive, this is fantastic news! If you’ve already filed a claim for one of these cancers and were denied due to lack of medical nexus, now is the time to refile your claim.

How Can I Get Help With MY VA Disability Claim?

You might wonder, “Can I file these claims alone?” While it’s absolutely possible to file a claim independently, the process can be daunting and very complicated, especially when it involves complex medical issues and navigating the VA system. That’s where Veterans Help Group comes in.

Our expert VA Disability advocates are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re filing a new claim or reapplying after a denial, we can guide you through the process, making sure you have the best chance for success. You’ve served our country, now let us help you get the benefits you’ve earned. Contact us here or call 855-855-8992.

More Information For Disabled Veterans Here:

• MOST COMMON THINGS VETERANS DO TO WIN THEIR VA DISABILITY BENEFITS CLAIMS
• COMMON SECONDARY SERVICE-CONNECTED CONDITIONS
• MOST COMMON DISABILITIES AMONG WOMEN VETERANS
• TOP WAYS TO GET YOUR VA CLAIM APPROVED