The Veterans Administration reports that more than 50,000 veterans are diagnosed with cancer each year, yet many never apply for VA disability benefits they may be legally entitled to receive.
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After serving your country, a cancer diagnosis can feel like an unfair second battle. The VA disability system for cancer can be confusing, with automatic ratings, temporary benefits, residual evaluations, and presumptive rules that are not always clearly explained.
“Cancer claims are some of the most misunderstood VA disability claims, even though the rules are actually very veteran-friendly,” said by Brian Reese, VA disability expert.
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This guide breaks down VA disability for cancer, explains how ratings work, identifies presumptive cancers, and shows veterans how to secure the benefits they deserve without unnecessary stress.
Overview: VA Disability Benefits for Cancer
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | 38 CFR Part 4 |
| Active Cancer Rating | 100% temporary |
| Post-Treatment Review | Mandatory C&P exam |
| Residual Ratings | Based on lasting symptoms |
| Presumptive Eligibility | Yes, for many cancers |
| Key Laws | PACT Act, Agent Orange rules |
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. Nearly any organ or tissue can be affected.
Common Cancer Terms
- Tumors: Abnormal tissue growths that may be benign or malignant
- Carcinomas: Cancers of the skin or organ linings
- Sarcomas: Cancers of bone or soft tissue
- Metastasis: Spread of cancer to other organs
- Active cancer: Cancer that is growing or spreading
- Remission: Partial or complete absence of detectable cancer
“VA ratings depend heavily on whether cancer is active or in remission,” explains a VA-accredited medical advisor.
VA Disability for Cancer: How Ratings Work?
Veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits if cancer was:
- Diagnosed during service
- Caused by service-related exposure
- Presumed related to service under VA law
When cancer is active, the VA assigns an automatic 100% disability rating.
Automatic 100% VA Rating for Active Cancer
If cancer is service connected and active, the VA assigns a temporary 100% rating, regardless of cancer type.
This rating continues:
- During active cancer
- Throughout chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery
- For six months after treatment ends
“The VA recognizes that active cancer is totally disabling by definition,” said by Brian Reese.
What Happens After Cancer Treatment Ends?
Six months after treatment concludes, the VA schedules a mandatory Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam.
At that point:
- If cancer has returned or spread, the 100% rating continues
- If cancer is in remission, the VA rates residual conditions
Residuals may include:
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Organ damage
- Pain and mobility issues
- Digestive, urinary, or respiratory impairment
- Mental health conditions related to cancer trauma
Types of Cancer Rated by the VA
The VA rates cancer using diagnostic codes (DCs) specific to body systems.
| Cancer Type | Diagnostic Code |
|---|---|
| Breast cancer | DC 7630 |
| Digestive system cancer | DC 7343 |
| Endocrine cancer (thyroid) | DC 7914 |
| Genitourinary cancer (prostate, kidney) | DC 7528 |
| Gynecological cancer | DC 7627 |
| Oral cancer | DC 9918 |
| Muscle and soft tissue cancer | DC 5327 |
| Respiratory cancer | DC 6819 |
| Skin cancer | DC 7818 |
VA Disability for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common VA cancer claims, particularly for Agent Orange–exposed veterans.
Prostate Cancer Residual Ratings
After treatment, the VA rates residuals such as:
Urinary Frequency
- 10%: Urination every 2–3 hours
- 20%: Every 1–2 hours
- 40%: Less than hourly
Voiding Dysfunction (Incontinence)
- 20%: Pads changed less than twice daily
- 40%: Pads changed 2–4 times daily
- 60%: Pads changed more than 4 times daily
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction alone is usually rated at 0%, but veterans may receive Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of a creative organ.
“Residual ratings often determine long-term compensation after cancer treatment,” explains Brian Reese.
VA Disability for Skin Cancer
Skin cancers may be rated as:
- Active malignancy (100%)
- Scars
- Disfigurement
- Functional impairment
Malignant Skin Conditions
- Melanoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Kaposi sarcoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma
Once treatment ends, residuals such as scarring or disfigurement determine the final rating.
VA Disability for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is rated under DC 7630.
- Active cancer: 100% rating
- Six months post-treatment: Residual-based rating
Residuals may include:
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Osteoporosis
- Mental health conditions
VA Disability for Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer falls under DC 7914.
- Automatic 100% during active cancer
- Residuals rated after treatment
Hypothyroidism is now a presumptive Agent Orange condition, which can simplify service connection.
VA Disability for Colon and GI Cancers
Digestive system cancers are rated under DC 7343.
- Active cancer: 100%
- Residual ratings: 10%–60% depending on complications
Burn pit exposure has expanded presumptive eligibility for gastrointestinal cancers.
Cancer in Remission and VA Disability
Cancer in remission does not automatically end VA benefits.
- The 100% rating continues until re-evaluated
- Residual symptoms determine long-term compensation
“Remission does not mean recovery from disability,” said by a former VA rater.
Presumptive VA Disability for Cancer
Many cancers qualify as presumptive, meaning veterans do not need to prove a medical nexus.
Agent Orange–Presumptive Cancers
Includes:
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Chronic B-cell leukemia
Radiation-Related Presumptive Cancers
Includes:
- Thyroid cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallbladder and bile duct cancer
- Bone cancer
Burn Pit–Presumptive Cancers (PACT Act)
Includes:
- Brain cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Melanoma
- Kidney cancer
- Lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Reproductive cancers
“The PACT Act dramatically expanded presumptive cancer eligibility,” explains Brian Reese.
Camp Lejeune Presumptive Cancers
Veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may qualify for presumptive cancer benefits due to contaminated water exposure.
Establishing Service Connection for Cancer
If cancer is not presumptive, veterans must show:
- A current diagnosis
- An in-service exposure or event
- A medical nexus linking the two
Filing a VA Disability Claim for Cancer
Veterans must submit VA Form 21-526EZ with:
- Medical records
- Service records
- Exposure documentation
- Nexus letters (if required)
Claims can be filed online, by mail, or with a VSO.
Why VA Disability for Cancer Matters?
Cancer treatment often leaves lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens. VA disability compensation helps veterans manage these long-term consequences.
“VA cancer benefits are not charity; they are earned compensation for service-related risk,” said by Brian Reese.
FAQs
Does the VA automatically give 100% for cancer?
Yes, for active service-connected cancer.
Does the 100% rating last forever?
No. It lasts during treatment and six months afterward.
Can cancer be presumptive?
Yes, especially under the PACT Act and Agent Orange rules.
Can residuals still be rated after remission?
Yes, residuals often determine long-term compensation.
Do I need a nexus letter for presumptive cancer?
No. Presumptive conditions do not require a nexus.
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