Good News, Veterans: The VA has recently added three NEW VA presumptive conditions to the presumptive conditions list in June 2024.
These new presumptive conditions make it easier for even more veterans to become service-connected and secure their VA disability benefits. Will they affect your VA benefits?
Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- New VA Presumptive Conditions Added: In June 2024, the VA added male breast cancer, urethral cancer, and cancer of the paraurethral glands to its list of presumptive conditions, making more veterans eligible for benefits.
- Presumptive Eligibility: Veterans who served in specific regions on or after September 11, 2001, or from August 2, 1990, may qualify for VA benefits related to these new presumptive conditions.
- VA Claim Review: Veterans denied benefits for these conditions before June 2024 should reapply for VA presumptive conditions if previously denied to ensure they’re reevaluated.
What are the 3 New VA Presumptive Conditions?
The addition of three new cancers to the list of conditions presumed to be caused by military service will speed up disability benefits for some vets.
As of June 2024, the following three cancer types have been added to the list of presumptive conditions:
- Cancer of the paraurethral glands
- Male breast cancer
- Urethral cancer
The update was published to the Federal Register, stating that any veteran who currently has or previously had one of the above cancers at any time during their military service or after separation may be entitled to disability compensation benefits dated back to August 10, 2022. (When the PACT Act was signed into law.)
See also: What are VA Presumptive Conditions?
Who Qualifies for the New VA Presumptive Conditions?
You may qualify for the new VA presumptive conditions if you served:
- On or after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, or the airspace above these locations, OR
- On or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, or the airspace above these locations.
See also: How to MAXIMIZE Your PACT Act Compensation
Can the VA Deny a Presumptive Disability?
Technically, Yes. The VA can deny a presumptive disability if there is no clear diagnosis OR if there’s clear evidence indicating that your diagnosis was not caused by your service.
For example, if the VA determines there is evidence linking your condition to a cause other than toxic exposure, you could receive a claim denial.
See also: The VA Presumptive List
Do You Need to Refile a VA Claim for These New VA Presumptive Conditions?
If you are a veteran previously denied benefits for one of the new VA presumptive conditions, your case should automatically be reviewed without needing to refile a claim.
- Pro Tip: You should reapply for your VA presumptive condition if you were previously denied, to ensure you’re reevaluated.
The VA sends letters to affected veterans (or their survivors); however, you don’t need to wait for an official letter from the VA to file your claim.
See also: How to File a VA Claim Online
You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.
We CAN HELP.
Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service.
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law.
Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating FAST! If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
