GWOT Veteran: Complete 2026 Guide to Benefits, PACT Act, and VA Disability Compensation
A GWOT veteran is anyone who served on active duty after September 11, 2001, in support of the Global War on Terror, including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. More than 1.6 million GWOT veterans have service-connected disabilities. The PACT Act expanded VA healthcare and presumptive benefits for toxic-exposed GWOT veterans.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | VA disability compensation, healthcare, education, and state bonuses |
| Eligibility | Active duty service on or after September 11, 2001, with honorable discharge |
| Application | VA Form 21-526EZ (disability compensation); VA.gov (healthcare enrollment) |
| Processing Time | Varies by claim type; GWOT claims prioritized within 6 months of separation |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-526EZ; DD-214; VA Form 10-10EZ for healthcare |
| Updated For | 2026 (2.8% COLA effective December 1, 2025; PACT Act fully implemented) |
What Is a GWOT Veteran?
A GWOT veteran is any service member who served on active duty in support of the Global War on Terror after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The GWOT umbrella covers three major operations: Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF, March 2003–August 2010), Operation New Dawn (OND, September 2010–December 2011), and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF, October 2001–December 2014).
GWOT service is defined broadly for VA purposes. The term covers not just combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, but also service in supporting roles, combat zones, and certain non-deployed assignments where toxic exposure occurred. VA health care eligibility now extends to all veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, as well as those who deployed in support of the Global War on Terror.
GWOT veterans are a large and growing population. According to VA’s Annual Benefits Report for Fiscal Year 2024, more than 1.6 million GWOT veterans have a service-connected disability, with nearly 15.5 million disabilities collectively. The most common conditions among GWOT veterans accessing VA healthcare are musculoskeletal ailments (59.2%), mental disorders including PTSD (55.3%), and ill-defined conditions (54.7%).
What you should do next: If you served on active duty after September 11, 2001, you likely qualify for VA healthcare and may qualify for disability compensation. Enroll in VA healthcare and file a claim if you have a diagnosed condition connected to your service.
PACT Act: The Biggest Expansion of GWOT Veteran Benefits
The PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022) is the largest healthcare and benefits expansion in VA history. It specifically benefits GWOT veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances during their service.
The PACT Act did three major things for GWOT veterans:
Expanded VA healthcare eligibility to any veteran exposed to toxins or hazards during military service, including those who never deployed but were exposed during training or stateside service
Added more than 20 presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures, eliminating the need to prove a direct service connection
Required toxic exposure screenings for every veteran enrolled in VA healthcare, at least once every five years
PACT Act presumptive conditions for GWOT veterans
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityIf you served in a covered location on or after September 11, 2001, and have one of the following conditions, VA presumes it is service-connected. You do not need to prove a nexus between your exposure and your diagnosis. You only need to meet the service requirements.
Cancers:
Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any type
Kidney cancer
Lymphatic cancer of any type
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Neck cancer of any type
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type
Respiratory cancer of any type
Respiratory and other illnesses:
Asthma diagnosed after service
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic sinusitis
Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
Emphysema
Granulomatous disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Pleuritis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Sarcoidosis
Covered locations for PACT Act presumption
The presumption of exposure to burn pits and other toxins applies if you served in any of these locations on or after September 11, 2001: Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, or the airspace above any of these locations.
What you should do next: If you served in any covered location and have one of the presumptive conditions, file a claim now. You do not need to prove your exposure caused your condition. The PACT Act streamlines the process.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates for GWOT Veterans
GWOT veterans receive the same VA disability compensation rates as all other veterans. The 2026 rates took effect December 1, 2025, following a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). These amounts are tax-free at the federal level and in all states.
Veteran alone (no dependents)
| Disability Rating | 2026 Monthly Rate | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $4,279.92 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $6,629.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $9,550.08 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $13,594.80 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $17,220.24 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $21,701.40 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $25,225.80 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $28,347.60 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $47,262.96 |
Source: 91 FR 7386, effective December 1, 2025.
Veteran with spouse
| Disability Rating | 2026 Monthly Rate (w/ Spouse) |
|---|---|
| 30% | $617.47 |
| 40% | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,566.02 |
| 70% | $1,961.45 |
| 80% | $2,277.15 |
| 90% | $2,559.30 |
| 100% | $4,158.17 |
Source: VA.gov, effective December 1, 2025.
GWOT Veteran Healthcare Enrollment
GWOT veterans have expanded healthcare eligibility under the PACT Act. As of March 2024, any veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11 can enroll directly in VA healthcare.
Who can enroll
You can enroll in VA healthcare if you meet basic service and discharge requirements and any of these are true:
You served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11
You were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service
You were assigned to certain duty stations in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa
You deployed in support of certain operations after 9/11
You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror
You were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty in the United States, even if you never deployed
Enhanced eligibility status for GWOT veterans
You may qualify for a higher priority group if you meet the minimum active-duty service and discharge requirements and at least one of these is true:
You receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability
You are a combat veteran discharged or released on or after September 11, 2001
You were discharged for a disability resulting from something that happened in the line of duty
You get a VA pension
You are a former prisoner of war
You received a Purple Heart
Priority groups
VA assigns enrolled veterans to priority groups that determine how quickly they are enrolled and what copays they pay. Key priority groups for GWOT veterans include:
| Priority Group | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| Group 1 | Service-connected disability rated 50% or more disabling, or unemployability |
| Group 3 | Former POW, Purple Heart recipient |
| Group 6 | Compensable 0% service-connected disability; toxic-exposed risk activity veterans |
| Group 7 | Veterans who agree to pay copays |
| Group 8 | Veterans with income above VA thresholds who agree to pay copays |
Source: 38 CFR 17.36.
Toxic exposure screening
Every veteran enrolled in VA healthcare is offered a toxic exposure screening. The screening takes 5 to 10 minutes and is repeated at least once every five years. It identifies potential exposures to burn pits, airborne hazards, Gulf War-related exposures, Agent Orange, radiation, and other toxins.
You can complete the screening during a primary care appointment. It is separate from the disability compensation process and does not require a claim filing.
What you should do next: Enroll in VA healthcare at VA.gov or by calling 1-877-222-8387. Complete the toxic exposure screening at your next appointment.
How to File a VA Disability Claim as a GWOT Veteran
Filing a VA disability claim as a GWOT veteran uses the same process as any other veteran. VA Form 21-526EZ is the primary application. The PACT Act has made this process simpler for presumptive conditions.
Step-by-step process
Step 1: Gather your evidence.
You need current medical evidence showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and functional limitations. For presumptive conditions under the PACT Act, you do not need a nexus opinion linking your condition to service. You only need proof of diagnosis and proof of service in a covered location.
Step 2: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ.
This is the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. You can file online at VA.gov, by mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center, in person at a VA regional office, or through an accredited representative.
Step 3: Submit your claim.
Filing online is fastest. You can upload supporting documents directly and track your claim status in real time.
Step 4: Attend your C&P exam if scheduled.
VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension exam. For presumptive conditions, the exam focuses on the severity of your condition, not on whether it is service-connected.
Step 5: Receive your decision.
VA will issue a rating decision with your disability percentage and effective date.
GWOT claim prioritization
VA prioritizes GWOT claims for compensation and pension. Under VA’s prioritization criteria, the following claims receive priority processing:
A claim from a GWOT veteran within six months of separation
A supplemental claim from a GWOT veteran for PTSD where PTSD is not already service-connected
An appeal from a GWOT veteran of an initial claim following GWOT service
This means GWOT veterans can expect faster decisions than the general veteran population in many cases.
Common GWOT Veteran Conditions and Ratings
The most common conditions among GWOT veterans accessing VA healthcare are musculoskeletal ailments, mental health conditions, and ill-defined symptoms. Here are the rating criteria for the most frequently claimed conditions.
PTSD (Diagnostic Code 9411)
PTSD is the signature mental health condition of the GWOT era. It is rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%.
| Rating | Key Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks |
| 50% | Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships |
| 70% | Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas; suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals; impaired impulse control |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment; gross impairment in thought processes or communication |
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is considered the “signature wound” of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. VA rates TBI using a multifaceted evaluation that considers 10 different categories of symptoms, including memory, judgment, social interaction, and motor function.
VA regulations establish that certain conditions diagnosed after service may be held to be proximately due to a service-connected TBI, including Parkinson’s disease, certain types of dementia, depression, and seizures. If you have a service-connected TBI and one of these conditions, the secondary condition may also be service-connected.
Musculoskeletal conditions
Musculoskeletal ailments affect 59.2% of GWOT veterans accessing VA healthcare — the most common category of conditions. Common ratings include:
| Condition | Diagnostic Code | Common Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Lumbosacral strain (back) | DC 5237 | 10%, 20%, 40%, 50% |
| Knee limitation of flexion | DC 5260 | 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% |
| Knee replacement | DC 5055 | 30%, 60%, 100% (temporary) |
| Shoulder limitation of motion | DC 5201 | 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% |
Respiratory conditions under PACT Act
If you served in a covered location and have a diagnosed respiratory condition, it may be presumptive under the PACT Act. These conditions include asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and sarcoidosis.
Education Benefits: Post-9/11 GI Bill
GWOT veterans who served on active duty after September 11, 2001, may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. To qualify, you need at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or you were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days of service. You must have an honorable discharge.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers:
Tuition and fees at approved institutions
Monthly housing allowance
Books and supplies stipend
Up to 36 months of benefits
You can transfer benefits to dependents if you meet the service requirements and make the election while on active duty.
State Benefits for GWOT Veterans
Many states offer specific bonuses and benefits for GWOT service. These are separate from federal VA benefits and require separate applications.
State GWOT bonuses
| State | Benefit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | GWOT “Welcome Home” Bonus | For active and discharged service members who served after September 11, 2001; payments take 4-6 weeks after application |
| New Hampshire | $100 one-time bonus | For Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and GWOT service; must be NH resident and honorably discharged |
Source: Mass.gov; Choose NH.
State benefits vary widely. Contact your state veterans agency or county veterans service officer to learn what GWOT-specific benefits your state offers.
Appeals Process for GWOT Veterans
If VA denies your claim or assigns a rating lower than you believe is correct, you have three decision review options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). You have one year from the decision date to file most appeals and preserve your effective date.
| Appeal Lane | Form | When to Use It | New Evidence? | Average Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim | VA Form 20-0995 | You have new and relevant evidence | Yes, required | 125 days |
| Higher-Level Review | VA Form 20-0996 | VA made an error on the existing record | No | 125 days |
| Board Appeal | VA Form 10182 | You want a Veterans Law Judge to decide | Depends on docket | 365–730 days |
GWOT appeals of initial claims following GWOT service are prioritized under VA’s claim prioritization criteria.
Common Mistakes GWOT Veterans Make
1. Assuming you need to prove burn pit exposure caused your condition.
Under the PACT Act, if you have a presumptive condition and served in a covered location, you do not need to prove causation. VA presumes it.
2. Not enrolling in VA healthcare because you feel fine now.
Toxic exposure conditions can take years or decades to manifest. Enroll now so you have access to care if symptoms develop later.
3. Skipping the toxic exposure screening.
The screening documents your exposures in your health record. If you later file a claim, this documentation supports your case.
4. Not filing for secondary conditions.
TBI can cause or aggravate depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment. These are separately ratable. PTSD can cause or aggravate hypertension, insomnia, and other conditions.
5. Filing without current medical evidence.
Old records showing your condition at its mildest do not support a high rating. You need evidence reflecting your current severity.
6. Describing your best day instead of your typical day.
C&P examiners and adjudicators need to understand how your condition affects you on a regular basis.
7. Missing the one-year appeal deadline.
If VA denies your claim, you have one year to appeal and preserve your effective date.
8. Not checking state GWOT bonuses.
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and other states offer one-time bonuses for GWOT service. These are separate from federal benefits and require separate applications.
Common Questions
Who qualifies as a GWOT veteran?
A GWOT veteran is anyone who served on active duty in support of the Global War on Terror after September 11, 2001. This includes service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and supporting operations. You must have an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions.
What is the PACT Act and how does it help GWOT veterans?
The PACT Act is a 2022 law that expanded VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. For GWOT veterans, it added more than 20 presumptive conditions, expanded healthcare eligibility to all veterans who served in combat zones after 9/11, and required toxic exposure screenings.
What conditions are presumptive under the PACT Act?
Presumptive conditions include brain cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, glioblastoma, head cancer, kidney cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, reproductive cancer, respiratory cancer, asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and sarcoidosis.
How much does VA disability pay for GWOT veterans in 2026?
GWOT veterans receive the same rates as all veterans. A single veteran receives $180.42 per month at 10%, $1,132.90 at 50%, and $3,938.58 at 100%. These amounts reflect a 2.8% COLA effective December 1, 2025.
How do I file a VA disability claim as a GWOT veteran?
File VA Form 21-526EZ, the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. You can file online at VA.gov, by mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center, or through an accredited representative. For presumptive conditions, you do not need to prove a nexus between exposure and diagnosis.
Can I enroll in VA healthcare if I served in a combat zone after 9/11?
Yes. All veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11 can enroll in VA healthcare. This includes veterans who deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. Enrollment is free and can be done online at VA.gov.
What is a toxic exposure screening?
A toxic exposure screening is a 5- to 10-minute assessment offered to every veteran enrolled in VA healthcare. It identifies potential exposures to burn pits, airborne hazards, Gulf War-related exposures, Agent Orange, radiation, and other toxins. The screening is repeated at least once every five years.
Are GWOT claims prioritized by VA?
Yes. VA prioritizes GWOT claims within six months of separation, supplemental claims for PTSD not already service-connected, and appeals of initial claims following GWOT service.
What education benefits are available to GWOT veterans?
GWOT veterans who served at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 11, 2001, or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This covers tuition, fees, a monthly housing allowance, and books and supplies.
What state bonuses are available for GWOT veterans?
Massachusetts offers a GWOT “Welcome Home” Bonus for active and discharged service members who served after September 11, 2001. New Hampshire offers a $100 one-time bonus for GWOT service. Other states may offer additional bonuses and benefits. Contact your state veterans agency for details.
Can I get both VA disability and a state GWOT bonus?
Yes. Federal VA disability compensation and state GWOT bonuses are separate programs. Receiving one does not reduce or eliminate the other. You must apply separately for each.
What is the most common disability among GWOT veterans?
Musculoskeletal ailments affect 59.2% of GWOT veterans accessing VA healthcare, making them the most common category. Mental disorders including PTSD affect 55.3%, and ill-defined conditions affect 54.7%.
Key Takeaways
A GWOT veteran is anyone who served on active duty after September 11, 2001, in support of the Global War on Terror.
More than 1.6 million GWOT veterans have service-connected disabilities.
The PACT Act added 20+ presumptive conditions for burn pits and toxic exposures, eliminating the need to prove causation.
All veterans who served in combat zones after 9/11 can enroll in VA healthcare.
The 2026 VA disability rates range from $180.42 at 10% to $3,938.58 at 100% for a single veteran.
PTSD is rated under the General Rating Formula at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%.
TBI is the “signature wound” of GWOT and can cause secondary conditions including depression and cognitive impairment.
File VA Form 21-526EZ to claim disability compensation; presumptive conditions require only diagnosis and proof of service in a covered location.
Toxic exposure screenings are required for all enrolled veterans at least once every five years.
Three appeal lanes exist: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal.
Official Resources
VA PACT Act Information: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
VA Health Care Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
VA Disability Compensation Rates: https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/
VA Form 21-526EZ: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-526ez/
VA Decision Review Options: https://www.va.gov/resources/choosing-a-decision-review-option/
VA Toxic Exposure Screening: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/chemical-hazardous-materials-exposure/
Post-9/11 GI Bill: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/
VA Environmental Health Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/benefits/registry-evaluation.asp
Massachusetts GWOT Bonus: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-global-war-on-terrorism-gwot-welcome-home-veterans-bonus
38 CFR Part 4 (VASRD): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/part-4
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