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Does the PACT Act cover my burn pit or Agent Orange exposure?

Use the free tool — Veteran Benefit Check

What the PACT Act does

The PACT Act, passed in 2022, adds many new "presumptive" conditions linked to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures. "Presumptive" means the VA assumes your service caused the condition, so you don't have to prove the link yourself. The PACT Act also expanded who can enroll in VA health care because of exposure. Source: VA.gov — The PACT Act.

Does this mean you're covered?

Only the VA can say whether your specific condition and exposure qualify. This page cannot tell you that you are eligible or that a claim will be approved — it can only tell you that you may be covered and should apply. Bring your service dates, locations, and any health records to a representative.

Health care eligibility

VA health care generally requires an active-duty discharge other than dishonorable. Most people who enlisted after September 7, 1980 need 24 continuous months of service, or the full period they were called to serve — with exceptions for early-out, hardship, or a service-connected disability. The PACT Act expanded enrollment for veterans exposed to toxins, so it's worth applying even if you're not sure you meet the general rule. Source: VA.gov — Eligibility.

Filing a disability claim — protect your date first

• Disability compensation is for conditions caused or worsened by service, filed on VA Form 21-526EZ.
• Before you finish gathering evidence, file an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966, or online). It holds your effective date for up to one year while you prepare the claim.
• Source: VA.gov — Disability claims.

Discharge or missing records?

An other-than-honorable discharge does not automatically block VA benefits. The VA makes its own "character of discharge" determination, and many veterans with an OTH discharge still qualify for some care, including emergency mental-health care and treatment for service-connected conditions — apply anyway. If you lost your DD-214, request it free from the National Archives at archives.gov/veterans; you don't have to wait for it before starting a claim.

Get free help — never pay a percentage

Florida's state Veterans Service Officers, county veterans service offices, and accredited organizations like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV file PACT Act and disability claims for free. Never pay anyone a percentage of your back pay or an up-front fee. Source: Florida Dept. of Veterans' Affairs.

What to do next

This page is general information, not legal or medical advice — only the VA decides eligibility and ratings. The free tool asks about your era, service length, discharge, and health, and shows you the likely PACT Act, health care, and disability benefits that match your own answers, plus the form numbers to bring to a free accredited representative.

Veteran Benefit Check explains VA and Florida benefit rules in plain language; it can be wrong, and it is not legal advice. Only the VA decides eligibility and ratings. Filing a claim is free through an accredited Veterans Service Officer — never pay a percentage of back pay. Crisis: dial 988 and press 1. Nothing you enter is stored.