Disability Benefits for Afghanistan War Veterans
After enduring long, harsh deployments, our Afghanistan War veterans often came home with wounds from improvised explosive device attacks, illnesses from exposure to toxins, and invisible scars from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Recently, the PACT Act has expanded the availability of VA health care and disability benefits for Afghanistan War veterans.
Rob Levine Law understands how the PACT Act has changed the landscape for disability claims and is dedicated to helping Afghanistan War veterans get the benefits they deserve. On this page, our experienced veterans disability lawyers will explain what benefits are available to Afghanistan War veterans and how to obtain them.
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Legally Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
October 7, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Afghanistan War Veterans?
- Eligibility for Afghanistan War Veteran Disability Benefits
- How Afghanistan War Veterans Can Apply for Disability Benefits
- Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Afghanistan War Veterans
- Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Afghanistan War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
- Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
- Afghanistan War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Afghanistan War Veterans?
All U.S. military veterans may be eligible for many different VA benefits, including:
- Disability compensation, including for PTSD and other mental health conditions
- Health care coverage
- Home loan assistance
- Burial costs
- Pension benefits and Aid and Attendance benefits for low-income vets
- Education, training, or job assistance programs, including Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits
- Special monthly compensation, or SMC, for severe or life-altering disabilities
- Combat-Related Special Compensation, CRSC, for those wounded in action
Thanks to the PACT Act, Afghanistan veterans now face fewer barriers to getting health care and disability benefits for conditions linked to open-air burn pits and other environmental hazards encountered during their service.
Speak with one of our Veterans Disability Lawyers to see if you’re eligible for disability compensation.
Eligibility for Afghanistan War Veteran Disability Benefits
Veterans are eligible for VA disability benefits if they are diagnosed with a service-related health condition and have a discharge status other than dishonorable.
Generally, applicants must prove a link between their disability and their service, such as showing that a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is linked to the force from an improvised explosive device, or IED, blast. Similarly, if you’re diagnosed with PTSD or another mental health condition, your doctor can submit a nexus letter detailing the connection between your disability and your service.
However, there are some “presumptive conditions” that the VA automatically considers connected to military service in certain situations. For those who have served in Afghanistan on or after August 2, 1990, a collection of illnesses known as “Gulf War Syndrome” is presumed service-connected. For those who served since September 19, 2001, certain infectious diseases are presumptively related to their service.
If you’ve served in Afghanistan at any point on or after 9/11, the VA considers post-service asthma, bronchitis, several types of cancers, and other conditions to be presumptive for burn pit or toxin exposure under the PACT Act.
How Afghanistan War Veterans Can Apply for Disability Benefits
Afghanistan War veterans can apply for disability benefits online, in person, or by mail. However, the most effective and least-stressful method is to hire an experienced veterans’ disability lawyer to gather evidence, build a strong claim, and handle any necessary appeals.
Local Veterans Service Organizations, or VSOs, can also help with your application. Some prominent VSOs with strong post-9/11 support include:
Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Afghanistan War Veterans
Seeking veterans disability benefits can be frustrating if complications arise. Some common issues Afghanistan War veterans face when applying for benefits include:
- Burn pit exposure documentation: If you developed a disability because of burn pit exposure that isn’t a presumed condition for Afghanistan veterans, it can be difficult to prove exactly how and when you were exposed.
- Mental health claims: Veterans suffering from PTSD or similar conditions may feel a stigma against seeking help, making it harder to get needed benefits.
- Delayed symptom onset: If a significant amount of time passed between your service and when your symptoms began, it might be difficult to prove a link.
- Overlapping deployments: Those who completed multiple tours might encounter complications with military records.
- Appeals and backlogs: Many Afghanistan veterans face long waits for approval, further slowing an already-complicated appeals process.
- Transition to civilian life: Veterans struggling with adjusting to life after their service might find it difficult to navigate the benefits application process.
Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Afghanistan War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
Rob Levine proudly served in the National Guard, and his commitment to getting veterans the benefits they deserve is shared by all members of our firm. We’ve practiced veterans’ disability law for over 25 years, helping more than 50,000 clients recover over $2 billion in injury compensation and disability benefits.
Our dedicated veterans benefits team is available around the clock to take your call and answer your questions. If you or a loved one needs help getting Afghanistan War veterans benefits, contact us online or call (800) 742-3920 today for a free consultation.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
I thank God for this law firm.
They fought for my disability benefits until I was approved. I want to thank Alexander Rosas for his help. Every time I emailed, I always got an answer right away.
Jeannie W.
Jamal was a huge help!
Took his time with my case and made sure I was taken care of. Would recommend to any veteran looking for assistance with VA disability benefits.
Ryan Y.
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!
It was a long battle trying to get my full VA benefits, but thanks to Rob Levine Law, not only have they assisted me in a huge victory to receive my full benefits, but they’ve changed my life forever! I’d definitely refer Rob Levine Law to ANYBODY & EVERYBODY.
Tehmeka Crosdale
Afghanistan War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Conditions Are Covered Under the PACT Act for Afghanistan Veterans?
Under the PACT Act, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, several types of cancers, and other conditions are considered presumptive of burn pit exposure for Afghanistan veterans.
Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for a Traumatic Brain Injury From an IED Blast?
Yes, if you can prove a link between your TBI and your service through your medical records, you can receive VA disability compensation.
How Does the VA Evaluate Mental Health Claims for Post-9/11 Veterans?
The VA treats mental health claims like any other disability: If it impacts your life and is connected to your military service, you can receive disability compensation. Some mental health services may be available regardless of whether you qualify for VA disability or health care benefits.
Are Afghanistan Veterans Eligible for Both VA Disability Benefits and CRSC?
Yes, if you were wounded in combat in Afghanistan, you may be eligible for both VA disability benefits and CRSC.
What Resources Are Available for Families Supporting Afghanistan Veterans With Disabilities?
Afghanistan veterans’ family members can be eligible for several VA benefits, including health care, education and career benefits, and caregiver assistance. Other benefits are also available for the surviving family of veterans who have passed away.
Can I Apply for Disability Benefits Years After Leaving Service in Afghanistan?
Yes, there is no time limit for applying for VA disability benefits. However, to benefit from the presumption for certain infectious diseases, including West Nile Virus, you must be diagnosed within a year of separating from the military.
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Notable Case Results
$1,005,000
Veterans livining in Providence after years of serving in the US Air Force in the early 1980s she suffered from PTSD and was a sexual misconduct victim in the service. Our firm won over a million dollars in back benefits for the vet.
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Veteran living in Portsmouth RI had suffered hearing loss, PTSD and HTN from his time in the Army we were able to get him nearly $200,000 in back benefits.
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Veteran of the Army living in Exeter RI, suffered injries during the time as a demolition specialist. In the 1960s the veteran was exposed to things that left him with permanent hearing and vision loss, headaches, arthritis and a TBI. We earned the veteran over $140,000 in back benenfits.
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Navy veteran living in Quincy MA served in the 1960s was exposed to chemicals that caused prostate cancer. He suffered from a TBI as well and was granted TDIU. We earned the client $110,000 in back benefits.
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