VA CLAIM COMMANDER
Open AppGet Started
Free — no sign-up required

VA Presumptive Conditions

Presumptive Service Connection Reference

Search 91+ conditions across 6exposure categories. If your condition is on this list and you have qualifying service, the VA presumes service connection — you don't need to prove an in-service event.

Agent Orange ExposureGulf WarPACT ActCamp Lejeune Water ContaminationIonizing Radiation ExposureFormer Prisoner of War (POW)
⚡

Presumptive ≠ automatic — you still need a diagnosis

Presumptive status means VA accepts the service connection without requiring proof of a specific in-service incident — but you still need a current diagnosis from a licensed clinician. A nexus letter may not be required for presumptive conditions, but the diagnosis documentation is non-negotiable.

91 total presumptive conditions across 6 exposure categories

Qualifying service: You may qualify if you served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975; in the Korean DMZ between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971; in Thailand at a U.S. or Royal Thai Air Force base between January 9, 1962 and June 30, 1976; or as a C-123 aircraft crew member between 1969 and 1986.

VA.gov reference

Ischemic Heart Disease

Includes coronary artery disease, angina, and other forms of ischemic heart disease.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Also known as adult-onset diabetes.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Parkinson's Disease

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

AL Amyloidosis

A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein builds up in organs and interferes with normal function.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Bladder Cancer

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Chronic B-cell Leukemias

Includes hairy cell leukemia and other chronic B-cell leukemias.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Chloracne (or Similar Acneform Disease)

Must have appeared within 1 year of exposure to a degree of at least 10% disabling.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Hodgkin's Disease

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Multiple Myeloma

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

Must have appeared within 1 year of exposure to a degree of at least 10% disabling.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Prostate Cancer

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Respiratory Cancers

Includes cancers of the lung, bronchus, larynx, and trachea.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Soft-Tissue Sarcomas

Other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or mesothelioma.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Early-Onset Peripheral Neuropathy

Must have appeared within 1 year of exposure and resolved within 2 years of onset. Entitlement to compensation based on any current disability.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Qualifying service: You may qualify if you served in Southwest Asia — including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, or the airspace above these locations — at any time after August 2, 1990. Service in Afghanistan, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, or Jordan may also qualify.

VA.gov reference

Undiagnosed Illness — Chronic Fatigue

Qualifying undiagnosed illnesses must be at least 10% disabling and appeared during active duty or by December 31, 2026.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Undiagnosed Illness — Headaches

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Undiagnosed Illness — Joint Pain

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Undiagnosed Illness — Neurological Symptoms

Includes signs and symptoms involving the nervous system such as unexplained pain.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Undiagnosed Illness — Skin Conditions

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Undiagnosed Illness — Respiratory Issues

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Undiagnosed Illness — Sleep Disorders

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Undiagnosed Illness — Gastrointestinal Disorders

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Chronic Multisymptom Illness (CMI)

A condition with a cluster of signs and symptoms — such as fatigue, pain, cognitive and mood symptoms — that occurred without clear cause.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Functional gastrointestinal disorder.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Functional Dyspepsia

Functional gastrointestinal disorder; must be at least 10% disabling.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Brucellosis

Infectious disease; must have been active in-theater.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Campylobacter Jejuni

Infectious disease acquired in-theater.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Q Fever (Coxiella Burnetii)

Infectious disease acquired in-theater.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Malaria

Infectious disease; must have been contracted during qualifying service.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis acquired during qualifying Gulf War service.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Salmonella

Infectious disease acquired in-theater.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Shigella

Infectious disease acquired in-theater.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Visceral Leishmaniasis

Infectious disease; also known as kala-azar.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

West Nile Virus

Infectious disease acquired during qualifying service.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Qualifying service: You may qualify if you served on or after September 11, 2001 in a combat zone or qualifying location, or if you have a covered cancer. The PACT Act (Public Law 117-168, signed August 2022) significantly expanded presumptive coverage for veterans exposed to burn pits, airborne hazards, and other toxic substances.

VA.gov reference

Any Cancer — Head

Under the PACT Act, all cancers listed below are presumptive for eligible veterans. Diagnosis must have occurred after service.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Any Cancer — Neck

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Any Respiratory Cancer

Includes lung, bronchus, larynx, and trachea cancers.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Any Reproductive Cancer

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Any Urinary Tract Cancer

Includes kidney, bladder, ureter, and urethra.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Lymphatic Cancer / Lymphoma

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Melanoma

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Any Malignancy

The PACT Act creates a broad presumption for any active malignancy in eligible veterans. VA will evaluate each case individually.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Constrictive Bronchiolitis

Rare, serious lung disease associated with burn pit and airborne hazard exposure.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Obliterative Bronchiolitis

Also called bronchiolitis obliterans; associated with toxic inhalation.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Constrictive Pericarditis

Associated with toxic exposure in qualifying locations.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Qualifying service: You may qualify if you served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and were exposed to contaminated drinking water.

VA.gov reference

Bladder Cancer

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Kidney Cancer

Includes renal cell carcinoma.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Adult Leukemia

Includes all forms of adult leukemia.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Multiple Myeloma

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Parkinson's Disease

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Neurobehavioral Effects

Includes conditions such as cognitive impairment and coordination problems.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Renal Toxicity

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Scleroderma

Also known as systemic sclerosis.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Hepatic Steatosis

Fatty liver disease associated with chemical exposure.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Qualifying service: You may qualify if you participated in atmospheric nuclear weapons tests before 1962; were assigned to the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan; were interned as a prisoner of war in Japan; served at gaseous diffusion plants in Paducah, KY, Portsmouth, OH, or Oak Ridge, TN; or were exposed to radiation during certain other military activities.

VA.gov reference

All Forms of Leukemia (Except Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)

Presumptive for veterans with qualifying radiation exposure.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Thyroid

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Breast

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Pharynx

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Esophagus

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Stomach

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Small Intestine

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Pancreas

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Multiple Myeloma

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Lymphatic Cancer

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Bile Ducts

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Gall Bladder

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Salivary Gland

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Urinary Tract

Includes kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Ovary

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Bone

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Brain

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Colon

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Lung

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Cancer of the Liver (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated)

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Qualifying service: You may qualify if you were held as a prisoner of war (POW) by any government or armed force during any conflict. POW status is confirmed through official military records.

VA.gov reference

Psychosis

Includes schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Dysthymic Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Any Anxiety Disorder

Includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

POW status satisfies the in-service stressor requirement for PTSD.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

Must be at least 10% disabling.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Osteoporosis

Presumptive for female POWs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Stroke

For veterans who were POWs for any duration.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Ischemic Heart Disease

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Residuals of Frostbite

Applies to veterans who were POWs in cold climates.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Helminth Parasitic Infections

Includes residuals of intestinal parasites such as helminth infections.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Peripheral Neuropathy

For POWs held for 30 or more days.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Peptic Ulcer Disease

For POWs held for 30 or more days.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Chronic Dysentery

For POWs held for 30 or more days.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

For POWs held for 30 or more days.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

Malnutrition (and Associated Conditions)

For POWs held for 30 or more days; includes avitaminosis.

Current diagnosis required. Presumptive status covers service connection — you still need a clinician to document the diagnosis.
Generate documentation for this condition →

What "presumptive" means: The VA accepts service connection for presumptive conditions without requiring proof of a specific in-service event — if you have qualifying service AND a current diagnosis from a licensed clinician. The condition does not diagnose itself.

This tool is educational reference only. It describes regulatory categories and is not a determination of your eligibility or a claim recommendation. For personalized guidance, a VA-accredited VSO provides free assistance — find one near you.

Sources: 38 CFR §§ 3.307–3.309, 3.313, 3.317, 3.320; PACT Act PL 117-168 (Aug 2022); VA M21-1 III.iv.4. Data current as of June 2026.

Ready to build your claim documentation?

VA Claim Commander generates nexus letters, personal statements, buddy statements, and DBQ prep — tailored to your conditions and records.

Generate my claim documentation →

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA Claim Commander is not a VSO, law firm, or accredited representative.