PACT Act Expands Benefits for Veterans Through New Presumptive Service Connections

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced new presumptive service connection for Gulf War veterans and post-9/11 veterans, making it easier for them to receive benefits for certain cancers and conditions related to their service.

“This step lowers the burden of proof for these Veterans, meaning that they do not need to prove that their service caused their condition to receive benefits for it,” the VA shared in a press release. “Instead, VA automatically assumes service connection for the condition and provides benefits accordingly. Additionally, when a Veteran becomes service connected for a health condition, it gives them access to free health care for that condition.” 

Presumptions for urinary, bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers went into effect January 2, 2025. The presumptions for acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myelofibrosis went into effect January 10, 2025.

This adjustment is a result of President Biden signing the PACT Act into law in 2022. The PACT Act allows millions of veterans access to health care and benefits earlier than required by the law. The expanded coverage also aligns with the VA’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to veterans who served in the Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War, as well as those who served at the Karshi-Khanabad base. K2 veterans have higher claim and approval rates compared to other cohorts, with 13 002 K2 veterans currently enrolled in VA health care and receiving an average of $30 000 a year in earned benefits. 

Reference
VA makes several cancers presumptive for service connection – lowering the burden of proof for Veterans to receive no-cost health care and earned benefits. Press release. VA.gov. Published January 8, 2025. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-makes-several-cancers-presumptive-for-service-connection-lowering-the-burden-of-proof-for-veterans-to-receive-no-cost-health-care-and-earned-benefits/