Posted on Aug 28, 2022
Is prostate cancer covered by the Pact Act for VA disability claims?
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VA Claim
Cancer
Responses: 8
* UPDATED*
TSgt Mark Winsor, I blew this one as I still had "pancreatic cancer" on my mind when I responded.
The answer is YES, it is covered as a presumptive illness with the PACT Act.
I previously said it wasn't, but as CPL Freeman pointed out, while it's not specifically called out (i.e., 'prostate cancer') it is covered under "Reproductive cancer of any type". HHS defines reproductive cancers at https://opa.hhs.gov/reproductive-health/reproductive-cancers, so if somehow challenged, you have a government source you can point to.
As such, all you should have to do is show that you have it and that you were in the covered area.
HOWEVER, the VA will not give you a permanent rating for cancer. If a veteran is service-connected for an active cancer, VA should automatically assign a 100 percent disability rating. This rating continues for as long as their cancer is active, and then for another six months following the successful completion of a treatment program (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery).
So, you should be covered for the period that the cancer was active and six months following that. After six months, the VA evaluates the residuals of cancer and awards a rating based on the long-term effects of the cancer and treatment for the cancer (for example, anything lasting that is related to the prostate cancer or the prostatectomy such as ED, incontinence, etc.)
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Long answer - Just like any other possibly Service connected illness/injury - it depends if you can show a linkage between your military Service and the illness/injury. A question very much like this was recently asked regarding pancreatic cancer and agent orange.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-isn-t-pancreatic-cancer-a-presumptive-condition-related-to-agent-orange-exposure
TSgt Mark Winsor, I blew this one as I still had "pancreatic cancer" on my mind when I responded.
The answer is YES, it is covered as a presumptive illness with the PACT Act.
I previously said it wasn't, but as CPL Freeman pointed out, while it's not specifically called out (i.e., 'prostate cancer') it is covered under "Reproductive cancer of any type". HHS defines reproductive cancers at https://opa.hhs.gov/reproductive-health/reproductive-cancers, so if somehow challenged, you have a government source you can point to.
As such, all you should have to do is show that you have it and that you were in the covered area.
HOWEVER, the VA will not give you a permanent rating for cancer. If a veteran is service-connected for an active cancer, VA should automatically assign a 100 percent disability rating. This rating continues for as long as their cancer is active, and then for another six months following the successful completion of a treatment program (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery).
So, you should be covered for the period that the cancer was active and six months following that. After six months, the VA evaluates the residuals of cancer and awards a rating based on the long-term effects of the cancer and treatment for the cancer (for example, anything lasting that is related to the prostate cancer or the prostatectomy such as ED, incontinence, etc.)
***
Long answer - Just like any other possibly Service connected illness/injury - it depends if you can show a linkage between your military Service and the illness/injury. A question very much like this was recently asked regarding pancreatic cancer and agent orange.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-isn-t-pancreatic-cancer-a-presumptive-condition-related-to-agent-orange-exposure
Reproductive Cancers | HHS Office of Population Affairs
Reproductive cancers start in the organs related to reproduction (sex). These organs are in the pelvis. The pelvis is the area in the lower belly between the hip bones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, provide more information on the causes, treatment, and prevention of reproductive cancers.
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CPL Scott Freeman
Dude it is covered, These cancers are now presumptive:
Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any type
Kidney cancer
Lymphatic cancer of any type
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Neck cancer of any type
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type
TThe males has 2 reporductive organs, the testicles and the prostrate
prostate and testicular cancer falls under that
Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any type
Kidney cancer
Lymphatic cancer of any type
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Neck cancer of any type
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type
TThe males has 2 reporductive organs, the testicles and the prostrate
prostate and testicular cancer falls under that
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TSgt Randy Colwell
I just filled my prostate cancer under pact act I had surgery and radiation still there and psa rising advanced prostate cancer now. I was in Riyadh Saudia Arabia in 96 I also filled secondary to getting up 3 to 4 times a night to pee. Still waiting see what they say. Had genomics test done its not hereditary
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If you have proof it was linked to burn pits or other toxic substances, possibly. Contact the VA for further clarification
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Contact one of these three gentlemen... they are very knowledgeable in Military related questions/issues.
MSG (Join to see) MSgt (Join to see) SFC (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) MSgt (Join to see) SFC (Join to see)
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