Important News for Disabled Veterans: Several Types of Cancer Now Eligible for Expedited VA Claims
Great news for veterans who served during the Persian Gulf War and the post-9/11 era! If you’ve been diagnosed with certain types of blood or urinary tract cancer, you may now have a simpler path to file your claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Thanks to recent updates, the VA is now recognizing additional conditions as being presumptively related to military service. This includes specific cancers that veterans may have developed after serving in certain overseas locations.
Below, we’ll break down what’s new, who qualifies, and how this change could make it easier for you to access the benefits you deserve.
What’s New: Types of Cancer Now Eligible for VA Claims
On March 12, 2025, the VA made an important announcement that impacts veterans who served in specific locations during the Gulf War and post-9/11 era. They have officially added several types of cancer to the list of conditions considered to be linked to military service. These include:
- Acute and Chronic Leukemias
- Multiple Myeloma and Associated Diseases
- Bladder, Ureter, and Other Genitourinary Cancers
This update is particularly significant for veterans who served in regions like the Middle East, parts of Africa, and South and Central Asia. The cancers listed above are now considered “presumptive,” meaning they are assumed to be caused by military service in these areas, and veterans who are diagnosed with them may be eligible for VA benefits without needing to prove the connection.
Locations Affected by This Change
The updated regulations apply to veterans who served in specific areas after the following dates:
- Persian Gulf War (before and after August 2, 1990): Locations include Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and several other countries in the region.
- Post-9/11 Veterans (after September 11, 2001): Locations include Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Uzbekistan.
One key addition in this update includes veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2) in Uzbekistan after September 21, 2001. K2 was a former Soviet air base with significant contamination from industrial and military waste, including radiation, and this change could help many veterans who served there get the benefits they deserve.
When Do These Changes Take Effect?
The VA has already started implementing these changes:
- Urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancer went into effect on January 2, 2025.
- Acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myelofibrosis will be effective as of January 10, 2025.
This means that if you’re a veteran diagnosed with one of these cancers and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can now file a claim through the VA much more easily.
The PACT Act: Expanding Veterans Benefits
This update is part of a broader effort to expand benefits under the PACT Act of 2022, which was designed to help veterans who were exposed to environmental toxins while serving overseas. The PACT Act has already made a significant difference for millions of veterans, and this latest update is another step forward in ensuring veterans have access to the care and support they need.
Since the PACT Act’s rollout, nearly 890,000 veterans have signed up for VA care, and 4.8 million claims have been filed. This shows that more veterans than ever before are taking advantage of the benefits available to them under the new legislation.
What You Can Do Next
If you think you may qualify for these new presumptive benefits, it’s time to take action. Veterans who are diagnosed with a cancer listed and meets the service requirements should file a claim with the VA as soon as possible.
At DisabledVets.com, we’re here to help you navigate the VA claims process. If you have any questions about your eligibility or need assistance with filing your claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of advocates is dedicated to supporting disabled veterans like you every step of the way call us now! 1-888-373-4722
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PACT Act Claims: TERA VA Medical Opinions
