Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act): VA Presumptive Condition (PACT Act)
VeteranHQ lists Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act) as a presumptive condition in the PACT Act (Burn Pits and Airborne Hazards) group. The exposure it is tied to is: Burn pit smoke, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), silica dust, toxic fumes, mineral dust inhalation. The presumption is effective August 10, 2022. It is governed by PACT Act of 2022, Public Law 117-168, Section 3114; 38 USC § 1120(b)(19); VA Final Rule 88 FR 60580.
A presumption removes one requirement and one only: the veteran does not have to prove a medical link between the condition and service. Everything else still applies. There must be a current diagnosis, the service has to meet the requirements below, and VA decides the claim on the evidence in the record.
What qualifies: Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act)
- Service era
- Post-9/11 (2001–present) or Post-Gulf War (1990–present)
- Service location
- Southwest Asia theater of operations, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Djibouti, or other covered locations with airborne hazards
- Exposure
- Burn pit smoke, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), silica dust, toxic fumes, mineral dust inhalation
- Effective date
- August 10, 2022
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
- Diagnostic code
- 6825
Service required for this presumption
Active duty service in a covered location for at least 90 days. Covers idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrotic interstitial lung diseases including non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (chronic fibrotic), and combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE).
About this presumption
Pulmonary fibrosis is presumptively service-connected under the PACT Act for veterans with qualifying airborne hazard exposure. Inhalation of fine particulate matter from burn pits, silica-rich desert dust (Middle East respiratory syndrome risk), and toxic combustion byproducts can trigger chronic alveolar inflammation progressing to fibrosis. VA Final Rule 88 FR 60580 further expanded respiratory presumptives. Pulmonary fibrosis causes irreversible progressive dyspnea, reduced gas exchange, and is associated with significant disability. Veterans should be rated based on DLCO, FVC, and exercise capacity.
Evidence still needed
A presumption does not remove the evidence requirement. VA still needs a current diagnosis from a medical provider and service records that show the qualifying service above. What it removes is the medical opinion connecting the two.
Service records confirming qualifying duty location; high-resolution CT chest showing basal-predominant reticular opacities, honeycombing, and traction bronchiectasis (UIP pattern); pulmonary function tests (spirometry showing restrictive pattern, reduced DLCO); pulmonologist or thoracic medicine evaluation; surgical lung biopsy if diagnosis uncertain; exclude other causes (connective tissue disease, occupational dust exposure).
Controlling legal authority
PACT Act of 2022, Public Law 117-168, Section 3114; 38 USC § 1120(b)(19); VA Final Rule 88 FR 60580
Related on VeteranHQ
- Diffuse interstitial fibrosis (interstitial pneumonitis, fibrosing alveolitis): 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 6825.
- VA presumptive conditions, explainedHow presumptive service connection works, and what it does not cover.
- All presumptive conditions by exposureAgent Orange, PACT Act, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War, and ionizing radiation.
Questions About Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act) as presumptive in the PACT Act (Burn Pits and Airborne Hazards) group, effective August 10, 2022, under PACT Act of 2022, Public Law 117-168, Section 3114; 38 USC § 1120(b)(19); VA Final Rule 88 FR 60580. A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
What service qualifies for the Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act) presumption?
Active duty service in a covered location for at least 90 days. Covers idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrotic interstitial lung diseases including non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (chronic fibrotic), and combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE). Service era: Post-9/11 (2001–present) or Post-Gulf War (1990–present). Service location: Southwest Asia theater of operations, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Djibouti, or other covered locations with airborne hazards.
What evidence is still needed for a Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act) claim?
Service records confirming qualifying duty location; high-resolution CT chest showing basal-predominant reticular opacities, honeycombing, and traction bronchiectasis (UIP pattern); pulmonary function tests (spirometry showing restrictive pattern, reduced DLCO); pulmonologist or thoracic medicine evaluation; surgical lung biopsy if diagnosis uncertain; exclude other causes (connective tissue disease, occupational dust exposure). A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
Is there a filing deadline for Pulmonary Fibrosis (PACT Act)?
No statutory deadline
VeteranHQ publishes VA rules and the citations behind them. It does not prepare, file, or represent claims, and nothing here is legal advice or a prediction of what VA will decide.