The Department of Veterans Affairs made a significant change on January 10, 2025, that affects thousands of Texas veterans. The agency expanded its PACT Act presumptive conditions list to include several types of cancer for veterans who served during the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts. For veterans struggling to get their claims approved, this update creates new opportunities to work with a Texas service-connected disability lawyer and finally secure the benefits they’ve earned.
This expansion matters because Texas leads the nation in PACT Act claims. According to the Texas Veterans Commission, the state has filed over 161,000 claims since the PACT Act became law in August 2022. With more than 1.5 million veterans calling Texas home, these new presumptive conditions open the door for many who’ve been fighting to get their claims approved. For veterans diagnosed with these newly added cancers, the update eliminates one of the biggest hurdles in the claims process. You no longer need to prove a medical nexus between your service and your condition.
Understanding Presumptive Conditions Under The PACT Act
When filing a VA disability claim, veterans typically must prove three elements: a current diagnosis, an in-service event or exposure, and medical evidence connecting their condition to their military service. That third requirement, called medical nexus, often requires getting a medical professional to write an opinion stating it’s “at least as likely as not” that your condition stems from service. This step has derailed countless claims. Presumptive conditions change the game. When the VA designates a condition as presumptive for certain service periods and locations, they automatically assume your service caused it. If you meet the service requirements and have the diagnosis, you don’t need that nexus opinion.
What Cancers Were Added To The List
The January 2025 expansion added these conditions for Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans:
- Acute leukemias
- Chronic leukemias
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Myelofibrosis
- Various cancers of the genitourinary system
These additions represent years of research into the health impacts of toxic exposure during military service. Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations where burn pits and toxic substances were common can now file claims without proving causation. Many veterans were denied benefits for these exact conditions in previous years because they couldn’t establish a medical nexus. Now those same veterans can refile their claims under the new rules.
How Legal Help Can Make A Difference
The PACT Act expansion simplifies the claims process, but it doesn’t make it automatic. You still need proper documentation and must follow VA procedures. Claims can still get denied for reasons like insufficient service records or missing medical evidence. Glover Luck LLP works with veterans dealing with the VA disability system. We understand how the VA evaluates evidence and what documentation strengthens claims for service-connected conditions.
Whether you’re filing an initial claim for a newly presumptive condition or appealing a previous denial, having someone review your case can identify problems before they derail your claim. Veterans who work with attorneys often see higher approval rates because their claims get submitted with complete evidence. The appeals process has strict deadlines. If you received a denial before January 10, 2025, for one of these newly presumptive cancers, you have a limited time to file a supplemental claim or appeal.
Moving Forward With Your Claim
The PACT Act continues evolving as more research emerges about toxic exposure and its long-term health effects. Veterans should stay informed about updates that might affect their eligibility. If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these cancers and served during the qualifying periods, you have a clear path to benefits that didn’t exist before. Gather your records, understand your rights, and get help if you need it. If you’re dealing with a VA disability claim related to toxic exposure or you want to appeal a denied claim, reach out to our firm. A Texas service-connected disability lawyer can review your case, explain how the new presumptive conditions affect your situation, and help you build a stronger claim for the benefits you earned through your service.
