The presumptive list overview

Presumptive service connection means VA presumes — by law — that certain conditions in certain veteran populations are connected to service. You don’t need a nexus letter. You don’t need to prove what happened in service. You only need to prove (a) you served in the qualifying time and place, and (b) you currently have a presumed condition.

All veterans must generally have served at least 90 days of active continuous service for presumptive claims to qualify, unless an exception applies. Presumptions are rebuttable — VA can deny if there’s clear evidence the condition was NOT caused by service — but the burden shifts to VA, not to you.

Major presumption pathways

• PACT Act burn pit / particulate exposure — Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans
• Agent Orange — Vietnam, Thailand, Korean DMZ, Blue Water Navy
• Camp Lejeune contaminated water (1953–1987)
• Atomic Veterans (radiation exposure)
• Gulf War Undiagnosed Illness (chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, functional GI)
• Chronic Diseases manifesting within 1 year of separation
• Prisoners of War (specific conditions)

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