Former Prisoner of War Presumptions
Former prisoners of war have an expanded presumptive list under 38 CFR 3.309(c), with extra conditions added for anyone held 30 days or more.
If you were held as a prisoner of war by an enemy government, VA presumes the service connection for a specific set of conditions under 38 CFR 3.309(c). You do not have to prove captivity caused the condition. You show the period of internment and a current diagnosis of a covered condition.
Some presumptions apply to any former prisoner of war. Others apply only when you were held for at least 30 days, in recognition of the nutritional and physical toll of longer captivity.
Who and where is covered
- Any period of internment: psychosis, any anxiety state, depressive disorders, organic residuals of frostbite, post traumatic osteoarthritis, atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, and stroke with its residuals.
- Internment of 30 days or more adds beriberi, chronic dysentery, malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, peripheral neuropathy, and cirrhosis of the liver.
Presumptive conditions on this site
Each opens its 38 CFR rating criteria. A listing here is not a promise of service connection; you still need a current diagnosis and qualifying service.
Start the claim
Because these conditions are presumptive, you file like any disability claim and identify the exposure. VA also offers a free Toxic Exposure Screening to enrolled veterans.
- VA Form 21-526EZ (disability compensation). Claim a former prisoner of war presumptive condition and note your internment dates.