Tropical Disease Presumptions
Veterans who served in tropical endemic areas have presumptive tropical diseases under 38 CFR 3.309(b), including their later residuals.
Service in a tropical endemic area can expose you to diseases that VA lists as presumptive under 38 CFR 3.309(b). When a listed tropical disease appears within one year of leaving service, VA presumes the connection. When the recognized incubation period explains a later onset, that delay can still be covered.
Many of these infections resolve but leave lasting residuals. You can claim the residuals as well as the active disease, which is how most tropical service claims are filed years later.
Who and where is covered
- Listed diseases include malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, filariasis, amebiasis, dysentery, plague, yellow fever, yaws, and several others named in 38 CFR 3.309(b), plus leprosy.
- The presumption generally requires the disease to appear within one year of separation, or later when the known incubation period accounts for the delay.
- Residuals of a tropical disease are claimable even when the active infection cleared long ago.
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 tropical disease or its residuals and identify the endemic area of service.