TERA, the acronym for Toxic Exposure Risk Activity opens the door for the VA to consider disability claims by Veterans who had everyday exposure to toxic substances which caused them to suffer a disease or impairment. Service members are regularly exposed to lots of toxic materials. Some toxic exposure is considered a presumptive condition. This means that Veterans who served in specific areas at specific times and have been diagnosed one or more certain medical impairments do not need to prove service connection to qualify for VA disability benefits. This means they don’t need the usual amount of evidence to file a disability claim.

TERA, which is associated with the 2022 PACT Act, allows service members to file nonpresumptive claims for exposures to toxins related to their Military Occupational Specialties. These toxins include oils, fuels, lead, exhaust fumes, asbestos, firefighting foam, and even noise—to name a few. It is believed that TERA will open the door to benefits for tens of thousands of Veterans disabled by exposure to toxins and who were previously passed over.

Cuddigan Law
10855 W Dodge Rd # 101
Omaha, NE 68154
Phone: 4029335321
www.cuddiganlaw.com