The PACT Act: Are You Newly
Eligible for VA Benefits?
The PACT Act expands VA healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and other toxic substances during military service. It adds dozens of new presumptive conditions โ meaning the VA now assumes your illness is connected to your service.
Were You Exposed to Any of These?
Select all exposures that apply to your service. We will show you which presumptive conditions you may qualify for.
Complete PACT Act Presumptive Conditions Database
Every presumptive condition added or expanded under the PACT Act, organized by exposure type. Includes ICD-10 codes, typical VA rating ranges, estimated monthly compensation, and evidence requirements.
PACT Act Timeline & Critical Deadlines
Key dates every veteran needs to know. The sooner you file, the more backpay you receive.
PACT Act signed into law
President Biden signs the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
First presumptive conditions take effect
Initial wave of new burn pit and Agent Orange presumptive conditions become claimable.
All PACT Act presumptive conditions active
Remaining conditions phased in. All toxic exposure presumptives now available for claims.
CRITICAL: Special filing deadline
File by this date to receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 โ up to 4 YEARS of backpay. After this date, benefits start from your filing date only.
Gulf War illness manifestation deadline
Undiagnosed multi-symptom illnesses from Gulf War service must manifest by this date to qualify for presumptive service connection.
No general expiration
The PACT Act does not expire. You can file a claim at any time. But the special backpay provisions have deadlines โ every day you wait costs you money.
Backpay Example
A veteran rated at 70% disability earns $1,716.28/month.
Filing before August 10, 2026 could mean 4 years of backpay = $82,381+
At 100%, that could be $179,424+ in retroactive compensation.
Every day you wait past the deadline is money you cannot recover.
VA 2026 Benefit Changes
What veterans need to know about current VA disability compensation and PACT Act expansions.
VA disability compensation rates adjust annually based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The 2026 VA rating tables reflect the latest adjustments, and veterans should verify their compensation matches the current schedule published by the VA.
Compensation Rates
VA disability compensation ranges from approximately $171/month at 10% to over $3,900/month at 100% for a single veteran with no dependents. Rates increase with dependents and special monthly compensation (SMC) categories. Our calculator on the main page reflects current 2026 VA rating tables.
PACT Act Expansions
The PACT Act continues to expand coverage through 2026. All presumptive conditions are now active, including new additions for Agent Orange exposure (hypertension, bladder cancer, parkinsonism, MGUS). Veterans who served in covered locations should review the full presumptive conditions list above.
Filing Deadlines
The August 10, 2026 special filing deadline allows retroactive benefits back to August 10, 2022. Gulf War illness claims require conditions to manifest by December 31, 2026. Filing an Intent to File (ITF) today protects your effective date at no cost.
Combined Ratings
The VA uses "VA math" (38 CFR 4.25) to combine multiple disability ratings. This is not simple addition โ a 50% and a 30% rating combine to 65%, not 80%. Our free calculator uses the official VA math formula including the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26).
This information is for general educational purposes only. Individual benefit amounts depend on your specific rating, number of dependents, and other factors. For personalized guidance, consult a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney. Forged VA Council does not provide legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the PACT Act and filing your claim.
Check Your Eligibility Now โ Free, 2 Minutes
Get a personalized PACT Act eligibility assessment. We will identify every presumptive condition you may qualify for and estimate your potential monthly compensation.
Don't Wait โ Every Day You Delay Is Money Left on the Table
The August 10, 2026 deadline is approaching. Filing before this date could mean tens of thousands in retroactive compensation. Forged Council files your PACT Act claims fast and gets you the benefits you earned.
Or scroll up to use the free condition checker.