★ Cancers
PACT Act and Agent Orange Presumptive Cancers
PACT Act (38 CFR § 3.320), Agent Orange (§ 3.309(e)); active cancer rated under § 4.114 / § 4.117 / § 4.124a etc.
Overview
PACT Act adds 20+ cancers presumptive for burn pit / airborne hazard exposures.
Agent Orange list includes prostate, respiratory, soft tissue sarcomas, and several leukemias.
Active cancer rating: 100% during active treatment + 6 months. After that, residuals (e.g., post-prostatectomy incontinence, post-chemo neuropathy) are rated under their applicable codes.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Presumptive: covered by PACT Act (§ 3.320) or Agent Orange (§ 3.309(e)) lists.
- Direct: documented in-service exposure with nexus to the cancer.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from PACT Act (38 CFR § 3.320), Agent Orange (§ 3.309(e)); active cancer rated under § 4.114 / § 4.117 / § 4.124a etc.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | During active treatment and for 6 months following completion. |
| Variable | Six months post-treatment, rated by residuals under the relevant body system. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Pathology reports.
- Oncology treatment records.
- Service records documenting qualifying exposure (deployment, MOS).
- Imaging tracking remission status.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to PACT Act and Agent Orange Presumptive Cancers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a PACT Act and Agent Orange Presumptive Cancers claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.