Do Veterans Qualify for Personal Injury Claims After Toxic Exposure?

---

Key Takeaway:

Yes — veterans may file a claim for injuries related to service-connected toxic exposure under the PACT Act, but the process can be more complex than a typical civilian personal injury claim.

---

Veterans face unique risks during military service, including exposure to hazardous substances such as burn pits, Agent Orange, contaminated water, and other toxic materials. These exposures can lead to long-term health conditions that may not fully appear until years after service. Unfortunately, filing a claim tied to military exposure can feel overwhelming — especially when federal procedures, medical records, and strict documentation requirements are involved.

If you’re a veteran navigating a service-related injury or toxic exposure, here’s what you need to know before filing a claim.

How Claims Work for Veterans

While personal injury claims for civilians focus on proving negligence, claims involving veterans also require navigating the VA system. The PACT Act significantly expanded benefits and healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic substances, but the filing process still involves several stages.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how the VA disability compensation process typically works:

1. Claim Received

The VA acknowledges your claim and begins the intake process.

2. Initial Review

A reviewer determines whether additional evidence is required.

3. Evidence Gathering

You may be asked to submit medical records, service treatment records, buddy statements, or proof of exposure.

4. Evidence Review

The VA reviews all available documents. If anything is missing, your claim may return to the evidence-gathering stage.

5. Decision Preparation

Once enough documentation is collected, the VA drafts a proposed decision regarding your disability status.

6. Decision Approval

The draft decision undergoes final review and approval.

7. Notification

You receive the official decision packet by mail.

8. Complete

The claim is finalized — though you may still appeal if you disagree with the decision.

The length of each phase varies depending on the complexity of the claim, the number of conditions involved, and how quickly evidence is submitted.

Exposure Injury? Call Shaw.

Filing a claim as a veteran can be complicated — especially when toxic exposures, medical documentation, and federal procedures are involved. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process, protect your rights, and ensure your case is thoroughly prepared.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency Treatment

• Medical Bills

• Lost Wages

• Pain and Suffering

• Property Damage

• And More

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule your free case evaluation with a San Antonio personal injury attorney.
No fees. No pressure. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.