EXPOSURE TO ...
UPDATED 7/22/25
Navigating VA Claims: A Realistic Perspective
While the PACT Act aims to simplify claims for veterans exposed to toxic substances by establishing presumptive conditions (meaning you don't have to prove service connection if you meet location and time-frame criteria), the reality of dealing with the VA can still be incredibly challenging.
Many veterans, myself included, have experienced significant delays and denials, even for seemingly straightforward claims. I personally have several claims outstanding for over 30 months, one of which is PACT Act-related and meets all listed conditions, time, and place qualifications. Despite the intent of the PACT Act, the process often still involves the VA attempting to challenge the connection between service and condition.
Consider this information as a starting point, and always seek out additional sources when researching possible exposures.
PACT ACT Frequently Asked Questions
AGENT ORANGE
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange may be eligible for VA disability compensation. The PACT Act has expanded the scope of presumptive exposure.
- Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 (H.R.3967): This act added new locations to the list of presumptive locations for Agent Orange exposure. Veterans who served in Guam or American Samoa or in their territorial waters from January 9, 1962, through July 30, 1980, are now presumed to have been exposed.
- USS Anchorage (LSD 36) visited Guam multiple times between 1973 and 1984.
- Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (H.R.299): This act extended the presumption of herbicide exposure, such as Agent Orange, to Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
- Ships operating temporarily on Vietnam's inland waterways: USS Anchorage (LSD 36) transported troops and supplies into Qui Nhon Bay during June 1970 and January 1972.
- Ships operating on Vietnam's close coastal waters for extended periods with evidence that smaller craft from the ship regularly delivered supplies or troops ashore: USS Anchorage (LSD 36) transported troops and supplies to and from shore with smaller craft at Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi from February 1970 through July 1972.
- For more information on Agent Orange and your VA benefits, refer to these VA resources:
- The PACT Act and your VA benefits
- Blue Water Veterans and Agent Orange Exposure
- Fact Sheet
- Agent Orange exposure and VA disability compensation
ASBESTOS
While the PACT Act expands VA benefits for veterans exposed to various toxins, it does not automatically include asbestos exposure as a presumptive condition. This means veterans with asbestos-related illnesses still need to provide evidence linking their condition to their military service. Asbestos was commonly used in ship construction. Veterans exposed to asbestos may develop serious health conditions.
- Asbestos was used during the construction of USS Anchorage (LSD 36), which began in 1967.
- For more information on asbestos-related VA disability benefits:
- Department of Veterans Affairs - Disability Benefits
LEAD
Exposure to lead, particularly from deteriorating lead-based paints, was a common risk on older ships.
- Veterans on USS Anchorage could have been exposed to lead through contact with deteriorating lead-based paints..
- For more information on lead exposure and VA public health resources:
- Department of Veterans Affairs - Public Health
RADIATION
The PACT Act has expanded the scope of presumptive exposure.
- Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 (H.R.3967): Section 401 of this act includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of VA presumption of service-connection for specified cancers.
- USS Anchorage visited Enewetak Atoll multiple times between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980.
- For more information on radiation exposure and your VA benefits:
- The PACT Act and your VA benefits
- Atomic Veterans: Enewetak Atoll