Toxic exposure is no longer a side issue in the veterans’ benefits system. It is one of the defining forces shaping VA disability claims in 2026.

From burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, to long-term chemical exposure across decades of service, toxic exposure claims continue to drive record-level filings at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

But as claim numbers rise, so do questions.

… Where do PACT Act claims stand now?
… Is the system keeping up?
And … are veterans receiving consistent decisions?

The PACT Act’s Ongoing Impact

Since passage of the PACT Act, toxic exposure claims have dramatically increased. The law expanded presumptive conditions tied to burn pits and other environmental hazards, opening eligibility to hundreds of thousands of veterans.

The VA’s official PACT Act resource page continues to outline eligible conditions and filing guidance here: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

As of 2026, claims volume tied to toxic exposure remains elevated. The VA publishes claims processing data — including backlog figures — through its reporting portal.

This sustained demand has reshaped the disability claims landscape.

Oversight Concerns Haven’t Disappeared …

While the PACT Act expanded eligibility, oversight concerns remain.

In our previous reporting, “Toxic Exposure Oversight: Better PACT Act Tracking”, we examined how tracking mechanisms and transparency were critical to ensuring the law functions as intended. That conversation hasn’t ended. If anything, it has become more important as claims mature and patterns emerge.

Similarly, in “Burn Pits, Camp Lejeune, and More: VA Reconsiders Toxic Claims,” we explored how the VA has revisited certain claims and exposure determinations — a reminder that toxic exposure cases are often medically and legally complex.

And beyond VA processes, toxic exposure has had legal implications. In “3M’s Legal Battles Over Toxic Exposure: Implications for Veterans,” we looked at how litigation tied to military-related environmental harm reflects broader accountability questions.

Together, these issues underscore a reality: expanding benefits is one step. Sustained oversight is another.

What Veterans Are Experiencing in 2026 …

Veterans filing toxic exposure claims today are encountering a system that:

• Is processing historically high claim volumes
• Continues refining exposure guidance
• Balances presumptive approvals with case-by-case evidence reviews

Independent reporting from Military.com continues to track how PACT Act claims influence disability backlogs and processing timelines.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has emphasized outreach and expanded staffing to manage increased demand. Still, complexity remains. Toxic exposure claims often involve:

• Multiple conditions
• Long latency periods
• Extensive service documentation
• Medical nexus opinions

These are not simple filings.

Why Toxic Exposure Cases Require Vigilance

The stakes are high.

Toxic exposure cases often involve cancers, respiratory diseases, neurological conditions, and chronic illnesses that may not appear until years after service.

Ensuring consistency in how these claims are evaluated matters — not just for individual veterans, but for the integrity of the system.

Oversight conversations aren’t about undermining the PACT Act. They are about strengthening it. Veterans deserve:

• Clear eligibility criteria

• Transparent tracking

• Predictable decision standards

• Fair appeals processes when needed

Where the Conversation Goes From Here …

The PACT Act remains one of the most consequential veteran benefits expansions in recent history. But legislation is only the starting point.

In 2026, the focus shifts toward:

• Long-term implementation
• Data transparency
• Claims processing consistency
• Accountability in decision-making

The conversation has evolved from “Will this pass?” to “Is this working?”

That distinction matters.

Final Thoughts — And Why Staying Engaged Matters …

Toxic exposure is not a temporary surge in the VA system. It is a structural shift in how veteran disability claims are understood and processed.

As more veterans file under expanded presumptions, the need for clarity, consistency, and oversight only grows. If you are:

• Filing a PACT Act claim
• Waiting on a toxic exposure decision
• Considering an appeal
• Or supporting another veteran through the process

Stay informed. Monitor updates. Review eligibility criteria carefully. And don’t hesitate to seek guidance when needed.

Legislation opened the door.
Oversight ensures it stays open.