Did your military service expose you to hazards like burn pits, contaminated water, or chemical spills? If so, your long-term health may be at risk. These exposures are linked to many types of cancer, respiratory illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Parkinson’s disease.
You may think you’re safe if you haven’t experienced symptoms from your toxic exposure, but symptoms and illnesses can develop many years after exposure. Early diagnosis is key, and that’s why the VA now offers toxic exposure screenings. These screenings are designed to flag early signs of exposure-related illness and make sure your health care providers have the full picture when treating you.
If you are concerned about developing a health condition due to your service-related toxic exposure, you may wonder how your screening relates to VA disability. Can your screening serve as evidence for your VA disability claim? Can it provide an official diagnosis on your way to receiving PACT Act compensation? In this article, we’ll discuss the role your toxic exposure screenings play in maximizing your VA benefits.
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When Did Mandated Toxic Exposure Screenings Start?
In 2022, the PACT Act took effect. (PACT stands for Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics.) The purpose of the act is to expand VA health care and benefits to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their time in service. The PACT Act mandated toxic exposure screenings every five years for veterans enrolled in VA health care (though veterans can request more frequent screenings).
What to Expect from Your Toxic Exposure Screening
You can expect to receive one of these screenings during your VA health care visits at least every five years. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms now, the screening will help detect possible exposure risks. This can provide valuable support if you decide to file a claim for a VA rating increase down the road.
When you go in for your screening, don’t expect lab work, physical exams, or diagnostic testing. Toxic exposure screenings are simply a brief, targeted conversation (usually 5 to 10 minutes) with your VA provider or a designated screener. You’ll be asked a series of yes or no questions aimed at identifying whether you were exposed to toxic substances during your service.
Your visit may go something like this:
- The provider will ask if you believe you were exposed to toxic substances during your military service. This includes exposure to burn pits, contaminated drinking water, radiation, asbestos, chemical spills, etc.
- The provider will ask about the locations or time periods where you believe these exposures occurred.
- If you answer “yes,” the provider will record your responses and may refer you for further evaluation or testing, depending on your symptoms and service history.
This screening is not a disability exam, and it will not yield the official diagnosis you need to file for a VA disability increase. But it can be a stepping stone toward receiving appropriate medical follow-up and additional VA benefits.
If your screening yields exposure concerns, your VA doctor may refer you for further testing that can result in a diagnosis. The screening can also serve as valuable evidence of a connection between your health condition and your time in service (which you will need for your VA claim).
How to Prepare for Your Screening
Before your appointment, take time to reflect on your service:
- Where were you stationed?
- Were you near burn pits, chemical spills, or heavy industrial areas?
- Did your duties involve handling fuel, solvents, or other hazardous materials?
- Have you developed any persistent health symptoms that could be connected to your exposure? Don’t hold back on this part. You may think symptoms like shortness of breath or chronic fatigue are just part of getting older, but they could be connected to your deployment to a burn pit site. If in doubt about a symptom, talk about it with your examiner.
It’s a good idea to write down the answers to these questions and bring your responses to the exam. Your written record can help you remember all the details. The more specific you are about the when, where, and how of your exposure, the better the VA can assist you in the future.
What Happens After the Screening?
After the screening, your provider will note the results in your electronic health record. Based on your symptoms, your provider might refer you for specialty care, follow-up testing, or additional screenings.
If you decide to file for disability benefits in the future—say for a respiratory condition or a rare cancer—the results of your toxic exposure screening provide early evidence that you discussed exposure risks with a VA official.
How the Screening Supports Your VA Disability Claim and Your Health
The toxic exposure screening itself does not result in an automatic disability rating. However, it can be very useful when paired with other evidence. For example, if you later submit a claim for insomnia due to toxic exposure to airborne chemicals, the screening record provides context to support that claim.
It can also influence how your VA healthcare providers treat your symptoms. If a future illness emerges, doctors who already know you were exposed are more likely to connect the dots and pursue the right tests or referrals sooner. The result? Better care, faster intervention, and potentially, a stronger case for disability compensation.
What You’re Entitled To
Participation in the screening is optional, but strongly encouraged. It won’t affect your eligibility for current VA care and compensation, and you won’t lose benefits by answering truthfully. Also, you can request a screening at any time—not just during scheduled appointments. If you missed a screening or want to update your information, you can reach out to your local VA facility or message your provider through My HealtheVet.
You’re also entitled to request and review your toxic exposure documentation to make sure the information is correct. If you believe your exposure was misclassified or missed entirely, speak up. Your input can set the record straight and make sure you get the care and benefits you’re entitled to.
Use the Screening to Your Advantage
Don’t let the simplicity of the toxic exposure screening fool you. Even if you already have a VA disability rating, this brief conversation can be an important step to increase your rating and/or help you secure additional benefits. It’s also critical for making sure your toxic exposure won’t jeopardize your health now or in the future. Be honest and specific and make sure to follow up on any recommended doctor visits so you can get the care and documentation you need.