Is prostate cancer covered by the Pact Act for VA disability claims?

2022-08-28T22:06:31-04:00

I was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had a prostatectomy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2022 10:32 PM

2022-08-28T22:32:27-04:00

Contact one of these three gentlemen... they are very knowledgeable in Military related questions/issues.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2022 11:18 PM

2022-08-28T23:18:12-04:00

If you have proof it was linked to burn pits or other toxic substances, possibly. Contact the VA for further clarification

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2022 9:13 AM

2022-08-29T09:13:10-04:00

TSgt Mark Winsor I'd ask that question on this Q&A: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/vetxl-q-a-chat-environmental-exposures-and-burn-pits

vetxl-q-a-chat-environmental-exposures-and-burn-pits

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 29 at 2022 10:49 AM

2022-08-29T10:49:29-04:00

* 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.)

***
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.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 30 at 2022 9:42 AM

2022-08-30T09:42:20-04:00

No, because Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in Men, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with in during their lifetime. And it is most common in Men 65 and older. It will be difficult for you to show linkage to service in an Area 30 years ago and a Cancer that is relatively common in our age group.
The good news is that you will most likely die of something else before Prostate Cancer will kill you, it is one of the most survivable cancers.

Response by TSgt Randy Colwell made Oct 28 at 2022 6:54 PM

2022-10-28T18:54:53-04:00

I also have prostate cancer has it removed and radiation cancer still there now it advanced prostate cancer. I was in Saudia Arabia in 96 at Riyadh and incirlik turkey in mid 90s trying to get this under pact act

Response by TSgt Randy Colwell made Oct 28 at 2022 7:07 PM

2022-10-28T19:07:32-04:00

Mark I also have advanced prostate cancer had it removed and radiation still there! I was in Riyadh Saudia Arabia in 96 and incirlik turkey mid 90s I just submitted my claim

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2023 2:36 PM

2023-08-26T14:36:11-04:00

How many of us received this answer from the VA. Yes it’s service related, 0%