A lavender ribbon is a symbol of support for cancer patients of all kinds (Photo: freepik)
The VA has added three new types of cancer to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure under the PACT Act.
A sub-regulatory policy letter published in the Federal Register now includes the following cancers as presumptive diseases:
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- Male breast cancer
- Urethral cancer
- Cancer of the paraurethral glands
This policy establishes presumptions of service connection for eligible Gulf War and post-9/11 Veterans who deployed to Afghanistan, Djibouti, Somalia, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Uzbekistan, and the entire Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Iraq. When a Veteran is qualified for benefits and submits a claim with proof of diagnosis, the VA will presume that the Veteran has a military connection for the illness automatically.
“We are working with urgency to deliver on the promise of the PACT Act to provide health care and benefits to as many toxic-exposed Veterans as possible — we’re leaning in wherever we can,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VA is working with one goal in mind: getting today and tomorrow’s Veterans and their families the benefits they deserve as fast as possible.”
Veterans who currently have or previously had one of the listed cancers during military service or after separation may be entitled to disability compensation benefits retroactive to August 10, 2022, the PACT Act’s date of enactment. The VA will review all claims from affected Veterans and survivors who previously filed and were denied for these three conditions on or after August 10, 2022, to determine if benefits can now be granted. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive cancer screening and treatment at the VA, which recently expanded cancer care services closer to where Veterans reside.
The VA has granted its 1 millionth PACT Act-related disability compensation claim and awarded over $5.7 billion to Veterans and survivors since President Biden signed the bill into law.
Veterans and survivors can apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MYVA411.
There is no charge to file a claim with the VA. For further assistance with the disability claims process, Veterans are encouraged to work with a VA-accredited representative or contact their state veterans affairs office.
Visit cancer.va.gov to learn more about cancer care provided by the VA.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
