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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) added 457,919 new veterans to VA disability compensation in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year. This marks the largest single-year expansion of VA benefits since the GI Bill era, driven primarily by the implementation of the PACT Act.
Signed into law on Aug. 10, 2022, the PACT Act has transformed access to care and compensation for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and contaminated water.
Drawing from the Annual VBA Report, we’ve analyzed the data behind the expansion. The report notes the PACT Act and its role in providing care and benefits to Veterans and their survivors.
Whether you’re a veteran navigating health challenges or a family member seeking clarity, these numbers underscore a historic shift toward fulfilling promises to those who served.
Related Resources:
Updated PACT Act Presumptive Conditions List
50+ Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions (Updated List)
23 Burn Pit Presumptive Conditions Added by the VA PACT Act
Summary of Key Points
- The PACT Act has significantly expanded access to VA disability compensation and benefits, contributing to substantial increases in new recipients.
- By adding more than 20 new presumptive conditions (especially burn-pit and toxic-exposure related) and expanding Agent Orange locations, the PACT Act eliminated the need to prove causation, resulting in massive spikes.
- The VA PACT Act benefits veterans of the Vietnam era, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 era alike, with more than 1 million PACT-related claims processed in FY2025 so far, and continued rapid growth is expected.
Table of Contents
The PACT Act: Overview
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, signed on Aug. 10, 2022, stands as perhaps the largest expansion of VA benefits in VA history. Named in honor of a soldier who died from toxic exposure-related illnesses, the law addresses long-standing gaps in coverage for environmental hazards encountered during service.
At its core, the PACT Act adds more than 20 presumptive conditions linked to burn pit and toxic exposures; expands Agent Orange presumptives to include service at specific locations in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Guam during defined periods; and incorporates rare respiratory cancers for post-9/11 veterans. It also removes the requirement for veterans to prove direct causation from exposures, presuming service in qualifying locations as sufficient evidence of exposure.
This affects multiple generations: Post-9/11 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan exposed to burn pits; Vietnam-era personnel with herbicide exposure; Gulf War veterans facing Southwest Asia toxins; and even post-Vietnam trainees at sites like Camp Lejeune.
The Impact of the PACT Act on VA Disability Benefits
In FY2025, the VA processed more than 1 million PACT Act-related claims submitted by both veterans and survivors. (Related: Compare to FY2024 and FY2023 data points from the VA’s PACT Act Performance Dashboard).
See how the PACT Act reshaped VA benefits by the numbers:
Source: VBA Annual Benefits Report and VA.gov/PACT Data
In the VA ABR, FY2024, respiratory service-connected disabilities rose 34.2%, while cardiovascular service-connected disabilities increased 43.3% year-over-year.
These increases coincide with the implementation of the PACT Act, which expanded presumptive conditions for certain toxic exposures and eases the burden of proof for service-connected disabilities.
For veterans who served near burn pits in Iraq or Afghanistan, were exposed to herbicides in Vietnam, or faced other environmental hazards, this represented a pivotal year for recognition and relief, as well as the largest spike in new VA disability recipients in the last five years.
| Fiscal Year | New Veterans | 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% |
Respiratory Conditions
For new VA compensation recipients, respiratory conditions increased by 34.2%, making them one of the fastest-rising service-connected conditions.
That rise in claims corresponds to the representation of respiratory conditions in the PACT Act’s presumptive coverage.
There were 159,192 new cases in FY2024 alone, representing a 40,533 increase from FY2023.
The leading respiratory conditions among all recipients for respiratory conditions are:
- Allergic Rhinitis: 680,634 veterans (30.4%)
- Sleep Apnea Syndromes: 659,335 veterans (29.5%)
- Maxillary Sinusitis: 231,275 veterans (10.3%)
Related: VA Respiratory Ratings Guide
Did you know? If you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other Southwest Asia locations between 2001 and 2021, you were likely exposed to burn pits. The PACT Act presumes this exposure; you don’t have to prove an in-service event or aggravation.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Cardiovascular disabilities saw an even steeper rise at 43.3% (FY2024), consistent with the increase in claims following the PACT Act’s expansion of cardiovascular-related presumptives, such as hypertension.
This added 87,505 new cases, which is 26,440 more than in FY2023.
The leading cardiovascular conditions among all recipients are:
- Hypertensive Vascular Disease: 750,278 veterans (52.2%)
- Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease: 254,439 veterans (17.7%)
- Varicose Veins: 74,491 veterans (5.2%)
PACT Act presumptives cover hypertension for Agent Orange exposures.
Increase in 100% VA Disability Ratings
Veterans receiving 100% VA disability ratings rose 19.5%, from 1,295,105 in 2023 to 1,547,842 in 2024.
This increase added more than 255,000 veterans to the 100% VA rating category, which likely includes veterans whose combined ratings increased after receiving PACT-related presumptive decisions.
What Other Conditions Have Seen Explosive Growth?
Beyond the core categories of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, overall increases in claims were seen across other body systems, with some of the conditions covered under the PACT Act presumptives:
Other Notable Growth Categories
| Body System | New Disabilities (FY24) | YoY % Change |
| Endocrine | 22,943 | +27.1% |
| Digestive | 97,542 | +22.6% |
| Hemic/Lymphatic | 7,651 | +18.3% |
| Infection/Immune | 4,220 | +21.1% |
The endocrine gains are tied to Agent Orange-linked diabetes and thyroid issues, while digestive conditions are linked to Camp Lejeune contamination and PTSD secondaries like IBS. The hemic/lymphatic gain is connected to presumptive cancers such as leukemia.
How to File a PACT Act Claim (Even If Previously Denied)
- Assess Eligibility: Visit VA.gov/PACT to learn about eligibility and to apply.
- Gather Evidence: Service records, current diagnoses; lay statements (optional).
- File: Online at VA.gov (Form 21-526EZ) or via VSO; cite PACT.
- Reopen Denials: File a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence supporting entitlement under newly established PACT Act presumptive conditions.
The processing of VA disability claims related to the PACT Act varies, but the current average processing time is 81.1 days for the VA to complete disability-related claims in November 2025.
It’s important to remember that the earlier you submit an “intent to file,” the more back pay you could receive.
PACT Act Filing Resources
- Explore eligibility online or call 800-698-2411
- Learn about getting screened for toxic exposure
- Access the claim guide
- Use the status tool
- Sign up for VA news updates to stay on top of updates or changes to the PACT Act
Additional Resources
Explore VA Ratings By Condition
Maximizing Your PACT Act Compensation
PACT Act C&P Exam for a Presumptive Disability: What to Expect and How to Prepare
VA Presumptive List: 200+ Conditions Eligible for Presumptive Service Connection
Conclusion
The VA PACT Act’s footprint — 457,919 new veterans (25% increase), approved respiratory claims (34.2% increase), and cardiovascular claims (43.3% increase), in FY2024 alone — reflects overall VA activity, with some increases coinciding with the PACT Act’s expanded presumptive conditions for certain toxic exposures.
The impact of toxic exposure is recognized across generations of veterans, from Vietnam to the Gulf War and post-9/11. The jump from 366,971 to 457,919 new approvals in one year highlights significant VA activity, with the PACT Act’s expanded eligibility and presumptive conditions contributing to greater access and support for veterans.
The VBA data signals action for eligible veterans, with the VA approving PACT Act claims at a faster rate than ever. Don’t wait to pursue the VA compensation and benefits YOU DESERVE; delaying could reduce the potential amount of back pay, benefits, and compensation you may receive.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act expands VA benefits for toxic exposures, adding presumptives for burn pits, Agent Orange, and more. It was signed by President Biden on Aug. 10, 2022.
How has the PACT Act impacted VA claims?
The PACT Act coincides with a 25% rise in new veterans (457,919) and spikes in respiratory (34.2%) and cardiovascular (43.3%) disabilities in FY2024, highlighting significant VA activity. The PACT Act’s expanded eligibility and presumptive conditions contribute to greater access and support for veterans.
Who qualifies under the PACT Act?
Veterans who are most impacted by the VA PACT Act include those from post-9/11, Vietnam, and Gulf War eras with qualifying presumptive conditions. Veterans no longer need to prove that an in-service event caused or aggravated their condition, as long as their service coincides with specific dates and locations.
How do I file a PACT Act claim?
You can file a VA disability claim online at VA.gov with Form 21-526EZ. The average processing time is 81.1 average number of days for the VA to complete disability-related claims in November 2025, and you’re generally eligible for back pay from your “intent to file” date.
What’s next for the PACT Act in 2026?
The VA data shows that claims activity remains historically strong in 2025, with the PACT Act continuing to play a major role in expanding access to care and benefits for eligible veterans.
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Quality Assurance Team
The Quality Assurance (QA) team at VA Claims Insider has extensive experience researching, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy in all produced content. The QA team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in the VA disability claims adjudication processes, laws and regulations, and they understand the needs of our target audience. Any changes or suggestions the QA team makes are thoroughly reviewed and incorporated into the content by our writers and creators.
About the Author
Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
