File a PACT Act claim for toxic exposure conditions
A claim filed on VA Form 21-526EZ establishing presumptive service connection — service locations and dates matched to the qualifying exposure list, the diagnosis matched to a presumptive condition, the toxic exposure screening completed, supporting records and lay statements attached, and the claim submitted with an intent to file that protects the effective date.
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Who it's for
U.S. veterans with a respiratory condition or cancer diagnosis who served in a location covered by the PACT Act's burn pit, Agent Orange, or radiation presumptions, and who want to file a VA disability compensation claim on the presumptive pathway themselves, without a claims agent, VSO, or lawyer.
About this playbook
The PACT Act opened presumptive VA disability benefits to millions of veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and radiation. This guide walks you through every step of filing a compensation claim using the presumptive service-connection pathway — the fastest route to a rating when you have a qualifying condition. You will identify your covered locations, protect your effective date with an intent to file, complete the mandatory toxic exposure screening, build an evidence package with lay statements and service records, and submit VA Form 21-526EZ. It covers all three PACT Act exposure categories for veterans with respiratory conditions or cancer. It does not cover direct-service-connection claims or appeals of denied claims.
What you'll do, step by stepFree preview
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Phase 1: Capture your case
1 stepPhase 2: Confirm presumptive eligibility
3 stepsPhase 3: Build your evidence dossier
7 stepsPhase 4: Complete and submit the claim
3 stepsPhase 5: Track the claim through VA review
3 stepsPhase 6: Receive and verify the decision
4 stepsPhase 7: Close out the claim
1 step
Details
What you need first
A diagnosed respiratory condition or cancer with a medical record stating the diagnosis; a DD-214 or other proof of the service dates and locations claimed; a VA.gov account (or ID.me/Login.gov) for online filing; access to a printer or scanner for signed statements.
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Glossary
- Presumptive service connection
- A legal shortcut where VA presumes a diagnosed condition was caused by service, once the veteran shows qualifying service and the matching diagnosis, without a medical nexus opinion.
- Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966)
- A notice to VA that locks in an early effective date while the veteran gathers evidence for the full claim.
- Effective date
- The date VA uses to calculate the start of monthly payments, normally the date VA received the claim or the protected Intent to File date.
- Fully Developed Claim (FDC)
- A VA claim submitted with all supporting evidence already attached, processed on a faster track than a standard claim.
- Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam
- A VA-scheduled medical exam used to evaluate a claimed condition for rating purposes.
- Toxic Exposure Screening (TES)
- A mandatory VA screening under the PACT Act that records a veteran's exposure history and can flag a claim for presumptive review.
- Lay statement (VA Form 21-4138)
- A written statement in the veteran's own words describing the in-service exposure and current symptoms, used to support the claim file.
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