How to file a PACT Act presumptive disability claim with the VA
Step-by-step guide to filing a PACT Act presumptive condition claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. PACT Act covers 79 presumptive conditions across 5 service eras (Agent Orange, burn pits, Camp Lejeune water, radiation, Gulf War). 6 steps using VA Form 21-526EZ and a free Veterans Service Officer.
What you'll need
- VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation)
- Free VA-accredited representative (CVSO, VFW, American Legion, DAV)
- DD-214 (military service record)
- Medical records documenting condition
- Current diagnosis from a doctor
Step-by-step
Step 1: Confirm your condition is a PACT presumptive
Search the 79 PACT presumptive conditions at warriorsfund.org/conditions/. Filter by your service era (Vietnam Agent Orange, Post-9/11 burn pits, Camp Lejeune 1953-1987, Gulf War 1990-1991, radiation). If your condition is presumptive, you do NOT need to prove service connection — the VA presumes it.
Step 2: Find a free VA-accredited representative (CVSO)
Visit warriorsfund.org/best-of/{your-state} or use the VA accreditation search at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/. County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), VFW, American Legion, DAV, AMVETS, IAVA, and PVA all provide FREE claim help. NEVER pay an attorney to file an initial claim — VA-accredited reps are free and have higher grant rates than self-filed claims.
Step 3: Get a current diagnosis
You need a current diagnosis from a doctor (VA, civilian, or military) confirming you have the condition. The diagnosis must be within the last 12 months for VA evidence. If you don't have one, your CVSO can help you schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam through the VA — these are free.
Step 4: Gather your evidence package
Required: DD-214, current diagnosis, list of providers/dates. Helpful: deployment records (DD-1610), unit/location records, witness statements (VA Form 21-10210), medical records from civilian providers. Your CVSO will help organize this. Keep copies of everything.
Step 5: File VA Form 21-526EZ
Online: va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/. By mail or in person via your CVSO. List EVERY condition you want evaluated — the VA only rates what you claim. Use the exact condition name as it appears on the PACT presumptive list (e.g., "asthma diagnosed after service" not just "asthma"). Mark the claim as "PACT" if you served in the qualifying era.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/
Step 6: Track your claim and respond to VA requests
Track at va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/. The VA will request additional records or schedule a C&P exam. Respond to all requests within 30 days. Initial decision typically takes 4-6 months. If denied, you can appeal — your CVSO helps with that too. Average PACT presumptive grant rate is 80%+.
Critical tips
- Free help is BETTER than paid help for initial claims. CVSOs/VFW/American Legion/DAV reps file claims daily and know the system. Never pay an attorney to file an initial claim.
- List every condition. The VA only rates what you claim. Forgetting to list tinnitus or hearing loss is leaving money on the table.
- In crisis? Call 988 + Press 1 — Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7, free. The claim process can be stressful; you don't have to do it alone.