Exposure alone is not a disability

What VA looks for

VA says you must have a current illness or injury (a condition) that affects your mind or body, and you must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. The condition also has to be tied to service: it happened during service, a condition that existed before service got worse because of service, or it is service-related and showed up after discharge. VA then assigns a rating.

Where presumptions help

For some conditions VA presumes the exposure. VA says: "If you have a presumptive condition, you don't need to prove that your service caused the condition. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption." You still need a diagnosed illness or health condition. For a condition that is not on the presumptive list, you must submit evidence that connects it to your service.

What a rating looks like

VA expresses a rating as a percentage, and VA's compensation rate tables list ratings of 10%, 20%, 30% and so on up to 100%. Your monthly payment depends on your rating and your dependents.

Toxic exposure screening is not a claim

The VA toxic exposure screening is a health care step, not a claim. Filing a claim is separate. See Burn Pit Registry and Toxic Exposure Screening.

Where to call and where to go

• VA benefits hotline (claim status, PACT Act claims): 800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
• VA main information line (MyVA411): 800-698-2411, 24/7.
• Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1, 24/7.

Official pages that do the thing:

• File for disability benefits online (VA Form 21-526EZ)
• How to file a VA disability claim (5 ways)
• Apply for VA health care (needed to get the toxic exposure screening)
• The PACT Act and your VA benefits

Free help: VA says services from an accredited VSO representative on VA benefit claims are always free. Find an accredited representative or VSO.