In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs added 457,919 new veterans to VA disability compensation a 25% year-over-year increase and the largest single expansion since the GI Bill era.
This unprecedented surge was not accidental. It was driven by one landmark law: the PACT Act.
Signed into law on August 10, 2022, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act fundamentally reshaped how the VA recognizes service-connected illnesses tied to toxic exposure. From burn pits and Agent Orange to contaminated water and airborne hazards, the law removed decades-old barriers that forced veterans to prove the impossible.
“The PACT Act didn’t just expand benefits it corrected a systemic failure that left generations of veterans without recognition,” said by Brian Reese, VA disability expert.
The data from FY2024 confirms what veterans have long argued: once the burden of proof was lifted, the claims followed.
What Is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act is widely regarded as the largest expansion of VA health care and disability benefits in VA history.
Named after Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson, who died from toxic exposure related cancer, the law addresses long-standing gaps in VA coverage for environmental hazards encountered during military service.
Key Provisions of the PACT Act
The legislation:
- Added 20+ new presumptive conditions related to burn pits and toxic exposure
- Expanded Agent Orange presumptives to veterans who served in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Guam
- Included rare respiratory cancers for post-9/11 veterans
- Eliminated the requirement to prove direct causation for qualifying exposures
- Presumed exposure based on time and location of service
“Presumptive service connection changed everything it removed the biggest roadblock veterans faced,” explains Reese.
How the PACT Act Transformed VA Disability Claims?
Explosion in New VA Disability Recipients
The VA’s Annual Benefits Report shows a dramatic acceleration in new disability recipients following PACT Act implementation.
New VA Disability Recipients by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | New Veterans Added | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 258,636 | — |
| 2021 | 280,694 | +8.5% |
| 2022 | 322,904 | +15.0% |
| 2023 | 366,971 | +13.6% |
| 2024 | 457,919 | +24.8% |
The nearly 91,000-veteran jump from FY2023 to FY2024 represents the steepest increase in at least five years.
“Once veterans no longer had to prove exposure, the system finally reflected reality,” said by a senior VA policy analyst familiar with the VBA data.
Respiratory Conditions: One of the Fastest-Growing Categories
Why Respiratory Claims Skyrocketed?
Respiratory disabilities increased 34.2% in FY2024, making them one of the fastest-growing service-connected categories.
That surge aligns directly with the PACT Act’s burn pit presumptives.
Respiratory Claims by the Numbers
- 159,192 new respiratory cases in FY2024
- Increase of 40,533 cases from FY2023
Leading Respiratory Conditions
| Condition | Total Veterans | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic Rhinitis | 680,634 | 30.4% |
| Sleep Apnea Syndromes | 659,335 | 29.5% |
| Maxillary Sinusitis | 231,275 | 10.3% |
Veterans who served in Southwest Asia between 2001 and 2021 are now presumed exposed to burn pits, eliminating the need to prove an in-service event.
Cardiovascular Conditions: An Even Steeper Increase
Hypertension and Heart Disease Take Center Stage
Cardiovascular disabilities rose 43.3% year-over-year in FY2024 an even sharper climb than respiratory claims.
- 87,505 new cardiovascular cases
- 26,440 more cases than FY2023
Leading Cardiovascular Conditions
| Condition | Total Veterans | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hypertensive Vascular Disease | 750,278 | 52.2% |
| Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease | 254,439 | 17.7% |
| Varicose Veins | 74,491 | 5.2% |
Hypertension’s inclusion as an Agent Orange presumptive played a major role in this surge.
“Hypertension alone opened the door for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans,” explains Reese.
Surge in 100% VA Disability Ratings
More Veterans Reaching the Highest Compensation Level
The number of veterans receiving 100% VA disability ratings rose 19.5% in just one year.
- 2023: 1,295,105 veterans
- 2024: 1,547,842 veterans
That’s an increase of over 255,000 veterans at the 100% level.
This rise reflects combined ratings increasing after PACT Act presumptives were added to existing claims.
Other Conditions Showing Significant Growth
Beyond respiratory and cardiovascular disabilities, multiple body systems experienced notable increases.
Comparison: Other High-Growth Disability Categories
| Body System | New Disabilities (FY2024) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Endocrine | 22,943 | +27.1% |
| Digestive | 97,542 | +22.6% |
| Hemic/Lymphatic | 7,651 | +18.3% |
| Infection/Immune | 4,220 | +21.1% |
- Endocrine growth reflects Agent Orange–linked diabetes and thyroid disorders
- Digestive claims align with Camp Lejeune contamination and IBS secondaries
- Hemic/lymphatic increases include presumptive cancers like leukemia
How to File a PACT Act Claim (Even If You Were Denied Before)?
Filing or Reopening a Claim
Veterans can still benefit from the PACT Act even if their claims were previously denied.
Key Steps
- Assess eligibility based on service dates and locations
- Gather evidence, including diagnoses and service records
- File a new or supplemental claim, citing PACT Act presumptives
- Submit an Intent to File early to protect back pay
As of November 2025, the VA’s average processing time for disability claims is 81.1 days.
“Intent to File is one of the most overlooked tools for maximizing retroactive pay,” said by Reese.
Why the PACT Act Matters Long-Term?
The PACT Act represents more than expanded eligibility it marks a cultural shift inside the VA. For the first time, toxic exposure is treated as a presumed reality, not an exception veterans must prove.
From Vietnam to the Gulf War to post-9/11 conflicts, generations of veterans are finally seeing recognition.
Final Thought
The PACT Act’s impact is undeniable 457,919 new veterans, historic growth across multiple disability categories, and faster approvals than ever before.
But opportunity favors action.
Veterans who delay risk losing months or years of potential back pay. Filing early, documenting conditions, and understanding presumptive eligibility can make a life-changing difference.
“This is one of the rare moments where the system is working in veterans’ favor,” concludes Reese. “The key is not waiting.”
FAQs
What is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act expands VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, adding new presumptive conditions and easing the burden of proof.
How did the PACT Act impact VA disability claims?
It coincided with a 25% increase in new disability recipients in FY2024 and major growth in respiratory and cardiovascular claims.
Who qualifies under the PACT Act?
Veterans from post-9/11, Vietnam, and Gulf War eras with qualifying service locations and presumptive conditions.
Can I reopen a denied claim?
Yes. Veterans can file a supplemental claim using new and relevant evidence tied to PACT Act presumptives.
What’s next for the PACT Act in 2026?
Claims activity remains historically strong, with the PACT Act continuing to expand access to care and compensation.
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