Exposure to toxic substances and environmental hazards during military service, whether on a base, in a combat zone, or during training, can lead to serious health issues long after service ends. Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes these risks and offers disability benefits, health care, and presumptive service connection for many toxic exposure-related conditions.
This article explains who qualifies, what types of exposure are covered, how presumptive service connection works, and how to file a claim in 2026.
What Is Toxic Exposure in Military Service?
Military base toxic exposure refers to contact with harmful substances such as chemical agents, burn pits, herbicides (like Agent Orange), asbestos, contaminated water, solvents, radiation, pesticides, and firefighting foams while serving on or off base. These exposures can occur:
- In conflict zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, or Southwest Asia
- During base operations in the United States
- In training or occupational duties involving hazardous materials
Exposure may lead to long-term health problems, including respiratory diseases, cancers, skin disorders, neurological issues, and gastrointestinal conditions.
Key Legislation: The PACT Act
The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) significantly expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. It:
- Adds 20+ presumptive conditions linked to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other environmental hazards
- Expands geographic and service period definitions for exposure presumptions
- Requires toxic exposure screening for VA health care enrollees
- Improves VA claims processing for exposed veterans
Because of the PACT Act, many veterans no longer need to prove that service caused their illness only that they meet exposure and service requirements.
Who Is Eligible for Toxic Exposure Disability Benefits?
You may be eligible for VA disability compensation if:
- You have a current diagnosed health condition,
- You served in the military (active duty, reserve, or national guard), and
- Your health condition is caused by or presumed to be caused by toxic exposure during service.
Veterans exposed to toxins during:
- Deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti, Uzbekistan, and Gulf War regions,
- Vietnam War and Korean DMZ for Agent Orange,
- Military occupational exposures (e.g., asbestos, lead, solvents), or
- Bases with environmental hazards
are among those covered.
Even veterans who never deployed overseas but were exposed to dangerous substances on base or during training may be eligible for VA health care and, potentially, disability benefits.
Presumptive Service Connection Explained
In toxic exposure cases, the VA uses a presumptive service connection meaning the VA automatically assumes a link between certain exposures and specific conditions if you meet service criteria.
For example:
- Veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam or certain other locations are presumed to have service-connected conditions like certain cancers, Parkinson’s-like symptoms, and heart disease.
- Veterans exposed to burn pits and particulate matter in Southwest Asia or related combat zones may qualify for conditions such as respiratory diseases, cancer, or chronic fatigue disorders based on PACT Act presumptions.
When a condition is “presumptive,” you don’t need to provide direct evidence proving the service caused the disability; meeting the service and exposure requirements is enough.
Common Toxic Exposure Categories and Conditions
The VA groups exposures into several categories:
1. Herbicides (Agent Orange)
Veterans who served in Vietnam, along inland waterways, in Thailand, or in or near the Korean DMZ may qualify for a range of conditions presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure.
2. Burn Pits and Environmental Hazards
Veterans serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and related areas where waste burning, particulate matter, and toxic fumes were prevalent may qualify for respiratory illnesses, cancers, and other conditions.
3. Occupational and Base Exposures
Exposure to asbestos, lead, pesticides, solvents, contaminated water, and other hazardous substances during base duties or training can lead to VA disability claims if connected to disease.
4. Radiation and Chemical Agents
Some veterans were exposed to radiation (nuclear test sites, handling materials), mustard gas, or nerve agents during service. These may also qualify under VA guidelines.
VA Health Care Eligibility for Exposed Veterans
Starting “March 5, 2024,” all veterans who served in areas with potential toxic exposures including service in conflict zones or stateside exposure during active duty are eligible to enroll for VA health care without first applying for disability benefits. This expansion makes it easier to access screenings and treatment for exposure-related conditions.
This means you can enroll in VA health care based on exposure alone, regardless of whether you have filed a disability claim.
How to File a Toxic Exposure Disability Claim?
Step 1: Collect Evidence
Gather documents that show:
- Your service dates and locations,
- Your deployment or station near toxic exposure sources, and
- Medical diagnosis linking your condition to toxic exposure, if not presumptive.
If records lack explicit exposure documentation, lay statements, unit histories, and personal accounts may help establish exposure.
Step 2: Determine Presumptive Coverage
Check whether your service location and time frame fall under PACT Act presumptions (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam). If so, you may only need to meet service criteria and show a qualified condition.
Step 3: Submit a Claim
Use VA Form 21-526EZ to file a disability claim online at VA.gov or with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Indicate the toxic exposure and, if applicable, the specific presumptive condition.
Step 4: Attend C&P Exam
The VA may schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to assess your condition and confirm service connection.
Step 5: Appeal if Needed
If denied, you may use supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, or Board of Veterans’ Appeals routes.
Benefits You Can Receive
If your claim is approved, you may receive:
- Tax-free monthly disability compensation (0–100% rating),
- VA health care for exposure-related conditions,
- Presumptive service connection simplifying future claims,
- Possible dependents’ benefits if your rating is high.
A recent VA report shows more than 1 million toxic exposure claims have already been awarded benefits under the PACT Act, and average disability ratings for these claims are around 70%, providing significant financial support.
Final Thoughts
Military base toxic exposure whether from burn pits, herbicides, polluted water, asbestos, or other hazards is now widely recognized by the VA as a valid basis for disability compensation and health care benefits thanks to the PACT Act and expanded VA eligibility rules. When you have a diagnosed condition connected to toxic exposure and meet service requirements, the VA presumptive framework can make it easier to secure the benefits you earned.
If you think your health has been affected by toxic exposures during service, don’t wait, gather your records, enroll in VA health care, and consider filing a disability claim to access the compensation and care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as toxic exposure during military service?
Toxic exposure includes contact with burn pits, herbicides, asbestos, lead, contaminated water, radiation, pesticides, and other harmful substances encountered during service.
What is a presumptive condition?
A presumptive condition is a disease the VA considers automatically service-connected for veterans who served in certain locations or time periods, so you don’t need to prove causation.
Do I need to prove exposure happened?
For presumptive conditions, no, the VA assumes service connection if you meet service requirements. For non-presumptive claims, you need evidence linking exposure to your condition.
Can I get VA health care without a disability claim?
Yes, all veterans exposed to toxins during service are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care as of March 5, 2024, even without a disability claim.
Are family members eligible for benefits?
Certain survivors and dependents may qualify for additional benefits if a veteran’s disability due to toxic exposure leads to death or a high disability rating.
