Cancer (All Types)
All active cancers (malignant neoplasms) receive a 100% disability rating while under active treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. After treatment ends, the 100% rating continues for a minimum of six months, then the VA schedules a re-evaluation and rates based on residual symptoms and effects. Some specific cancers have longer mandatory 100% periods (for example, certain blood cancers may have extended evaluation windows). Many cancers are presumptive for Agent Orange exposure, PACT Act burn pit exposure, radiation exposure, and Camp Lejeune water contamination. Each cancer type has its own diagnostic code within the body system it affects, but the core rating approach is the same across all types. Body-system-specific cancers (such as prostate, lung, breast, gynecological, blood cancers, oral cancer, and skin cancer) are covered in more detail under their respective body system categories.
VA Rating Levels
Active cancer during treatment. The 100% rating continues for at least 6 months after all treatment ends (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy). After that period, the VA schedules a re-evaluation and rates based on residual effects.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Every active cancer receives 100% regardless of type. This is universal across all VA cancer diagnostic codes.
- →After treatment ends, the 100% continues for at least 6 more months before the VA can reduce your rating.
- →After re-evaluation, you are rated on residuals: scars, organ damage, nerve damage, fatigue, mental health effects, and any other lasting impairments.
- →Many cancers are presumptive for Agent Orange exposure, including prostate, bladder, lung, kidney (renal cell), and others.
- →The PACT Act expanded presumptive cancers for burn pit-exposed veterans. Check eligibility based on your service location and dates.
- →Camp Lejeune water contamination is also a presumptive pathway for multiple cancer types.
- →Radiation-risk activities (atmospheric nuclear testing, Hiroshima/Nagasaki occupation, nuclear facility work) can establish presumptive service connection for many cancers.
- →Even after cancer is in remission, secondary conditions from treatment (neuropathy, fatigue, heart damage from chemotherapy, infertility, hearing loss) are separately ratable.
- →You can receive separate 100% ratings for cancers in different body systems at the same time (for example, gynecological cancer and breast cancer can each be rated at 100% simultaneously).
- →Cancers typically require mandatory future re-examinations regardless of your age.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR Part 4, various sections by body system