★ Cancer / PACT Act
Gastrointestinal Cancer VA Rating
PACT Act presumptive (38 CFR § 3.320); rated under 38 CFR § 4.114
Overview
Covers esophageal, gastric, small intestine, colon, rectal, anal, liver, gallbladder, and biliary cancers.
Residuals often include bowel/ostomy management, malabsorption, weight loss, and post-surgical pain.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Presumptive (PACT Act).
- Agent Orange covers some GI cancers indirectly; direct service connection always available with evidence.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from PACT Act presumptive (38 CFR § 3.320); rated under 38 CFR § 4.114
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active malignancy and for 6 months after completion of treatment. |
| Variable | After 6 months: rated on residuals — ostomy, malabsorption, dumping syndrome, hepatic dysfunction. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Pathology and staging.
- Surgical and oncology records.
- Burn pit / exposure documentation.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Gastrointestinal Cancer:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Gastrointestinal Cancer 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.