Cancer and your VA claim: 100% during treatment, then residuals

Why now

VA's Oct 30, 2026 Research Wrap Up reported that VA Kansas City researchers helped develop a potential new antibody treatment for colorectal cancer, tested so far in tissue samples and mice. It's early research, but it's a good reminder: if you have cancer tied to service, there's a specific way VA rates it.

100% while the cancer is active

VA's rating schedule gives a 100% rating for many active malignant cancers, by body system. Examples:

• Digestive cancers, including colorectal: DC 7343, 38 CFR 4.114.
• Genitourinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate): DC 7528, 38 CFR 4.115b.
• Malignant brain growths: DC 8002, 38 CFR 4.124a.

Other cancers have their own codes; check the section for that body system.

After treatment: re-exam and residuals

For DC 7343 and DC 7528, the 100% continues after surgery, radiation, chemo or other treatment stops, with a mandatory VA exam six months later. If there's no local recurrence or spread, VA rates the residuals (for example bowel changes, voiding or kidney problems, scars, nerve damage). Brain cancer (DC 8002) works differently: the 100% continues for 2 years after treatment ends.

Any reduction must follow the notice rules in 38 CFR 3.105(e), so you get time to respond with evidence. Claim every residual by name. If a reduction later creates an overpayment, see our VA debt letter guide.

Presumptive cancers (PACT Act and Agent Orange)

Burn pit and other toxic exposures (VA.gov PACT Act) if you meet VA's presumptive-exposure locations and dates: brain cancer, gastrointestinal cancer of any type, glioblastoma, head cancer of any type, kidney cancer, lymphoma of any type, melanoma, neck cancer of any type, pancreatic cancer, reproductive cancer of any type, and respiratory cancer of any type.

Agent Orange (VA.gov Agent Orange): bladder cancer, chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers (including lung cancer), and some soft tissue sarcomas (VA excludes osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and mesothelioma).

Lists change, so check VA.gov before you file. Not on a list? You can still claim with evidence linking it to service.

File early

Your start date generally depends on when VA gets your claim, so don't wait for treatment to end. An intent to file (VA Form 21-0966, or online) can set an earlier potential start date; you then have 1 year to file the full claim.

For families

If a veteran dies from a service-connected cancer, an eligible survivor may get Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). See our survivor's checklist.

Never pay anyone to file an initial claim. Free help: a VSO or VA-accredited representative.

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