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Mustard gas and lewisite
Some veterans had their whole body exposed to mustard gas or lewisite during service. For them, VA presumes that certain eye, skin, breathing and cancer conditions are connected to service.
We built these lists with AI from the regulations, the U.S. Code and VA.gov, so please check the official text too.
← Presumptive Condition Checker
Who qualifies
Full-body exposure during active service. Most exposures were in World War II chemical tests. VA keeps a list of known test sites.
- Full-body exposure to mustard gas or lewisite during service (most often in World War II chemical tests)More on VA.gov38 CFR 3.316
Conditions VA presumes (14)
- Chronic conjunctivitis (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(1)
- Keratitis (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(1)
- Corneal opacities (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(1)
- Scar formation (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(1)
- Nasopharyngeal cancer (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(1)
- Laryngeal cancer (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(1)
- Lung cancer, except mesothelioma (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(1)
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(1)
- Chronic laryngitis (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard, or lewisite)38 CFR 3.316(a)(2)
- Chronic bronchitis (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard, or lewisite)38 CFR 3.316(a)(2)
- Emphysema (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard, or lewisite)38 CFR 3.316(a)(2)
- Asthma (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard, or lewisite)38 CFR 3.316(a)(2)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (after nitrogen or sulfur mustard, or lewisite)38 CFR 3.316(a)(2)
- Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (after nitrogen mustard)38 CFR 3.316(a)(3)
Time limit
There is no time limit.
You'd still need to show
- A current diagnosis of the condition from a doctor or other medical provider.
- Records that show your qualifying service, such as your DD214, orders, or unit or ship records.
- A discharge that isn't dishonorable.
- Records or a statement describing the activity that exposed you. VA checks it against the Department of Defense's records.
Even when a condition is on a list, VA can still decide it was caused by something else if there is evidence of that (the presumption can be rebutted).
The law: 38 CFR 3.316
On VA.gov: Mustard gas or lewisite exposure
Regulation text current as of October 15, 2026. This is general information from a free tool, not legal or medical advice, and not a decision. Only VA decides claims.
What to do next
VetEZ Claim is free, from VetClaims Alliance, a nonprofit. You review, sign and send each form yourself.
1. File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966)
It tells VA you plan to file. If you file your claim within 1 year, VA can pay you back to the date of your Intent to File.
2. File your claim (VA Form 21-526EZ)
List each condition. You can attach your evidence or send it later.
Did VA deny this condition before?
If it was added to a presumptive list after VA denied it, you can ask VA to look again with a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995). Open in your browser
3. Gather your evidence
- A current diagnosis of the condition from a doctor or other medical provider.
- Records that show your qualifying service, such as your DD214, orders, or unit or ship records.
- A discharge that isn't dishonorable.
- Records or a statement describing the activity that exposed you. VA checks it against the Department of Defense's records.
- Any records of chemical tests or training you took part in, and a statement describing what happened.