VA Policy Change Creates New Barriers for Male Veterans Seeking Breast Cancer Treatment
- Melissa Kouri
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented a policy change that significantly affects how male veterans with breast cancer access healthcare coverage, creating new procedural hurdles for a small but vulnerable population facing a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Effective September 30, 2025, the VA no longer provides presumptive service connection for new male breast cancer cases, which affects male veterans who receive new breast cancer diagnoses. While veterans who previously qualified for coverage retain their benefits, newly diagnosed veterans must now prove their cancer was connected to their military service through the individual claim process, which is a significantly more challenging evidentiary standard.
Impact on Veterans
The shift from presumptive coverage to individual claim requirements creates substantial procedural obstacles for affected veterans. Previously, under the PACT Act's framework, veterans diagnosed with covered conditions could access care more easily by demonstrating service in areas and time periods where they may have been exposed to toxic substances. Now, male veterans with breast cancer must navigate the more complex individual claims process, which historically has been difficult to satisfy and can result in lengthy delays.
This policy change could result in delayed or missed care for veterans. The concern takes on particular significance given the medical characteristics of male breast cancer, including that breast cancer rates among men are increasing, the disease is deadlier in men than in women, and breast cancer occurrence is higher among veterans compared to the general population.
Administrative Alternatives Available
VA press secretary Pete Kasperowicz has emphasized that coverage remains available through individual processes: "VA will continue to provide care and benefits to any Veteran who can show a service connection for it." Â The agency encourages affected veterans to submit disability compensation claims if they believe their condition relates to military service.
However, this individual approach places the entire burden on veterans to establish connections that the presumptive coverage system was designed to address more efficiently.
Recommendations for Affected Veterans
Veterans potentially affected by this change should consider:
Documenting all possible service-connected exposures thoroughly
Engaging with veterans' service organizations for claims assistance
Seeking legal counsel familiar with VA disability processes
Maintaining detailed medical records linking their condition to service
Staying informed about congressional actions and potential policy developments
The ongoing congressional response reflects broader questions about the balance between administrative discretion and legislative intent in veteran benefit programs. Veteran advocate Rosie Torres emphasized focusing on veteran welfare: "It shouldn't matter who signed the bill... These are peoples' lives"
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