What are toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) regarding veterans?

[Updated October 2025]

Toxic exposure risk activities (abbreviated by the VA as TERA) are evaluated differently from regular service-connected conditions. Recently, however, we have seen a few cases where the VA has started connecting conditions to toxic exposures.

In this blog, we will cover the details of what TERA is and which situations it includes. We'll also explain how the VA handles cases where veterans have been exposed to toxic substances during service, and what options are available for benefits and healthcare as a result.

Here's what veterans need to know about TERA and how they can get help from the VA:

What is TERA?

TERA is an abbreviation for toxic exposure risk activities – meaning military activities such as combat or training that have exposed veterans to toxic and harmful substances. The following are common examples of TERA in veterans:

• Air pollutants such as burn pits, fires, asbestos, mustard gas

• Chemical exposure such as Agent Orange, pesticides, and herbicides

• Radiation exposure such as nuclear weapons handling, radioactive materials, x-rays

• Contaminated water

• Biological weapons

How does the VA handle TERA, and what options do veterans have?

We have seen more cases recently where the VA has started connecting conditions to toxic exposures. Although there aren't any presumptives (automatic qualification for benefits) for veterans who have experienced toxic exposure risk activities, there is a path for earning service-connection.

Here's how we've seen TERA cases being handled lately:

1. For starters, the VA will conduct a TERA evaluation.

2. If there is evidence of an exposure, then an investigation will be done.

3. If evidence is found during this investigation, a C&P exam will be set up in order to rule out any other causes for the medical condition.

4. You'll need a medical opinion on the connection as well.

Like we said above, there unfortunately aren't any presumptives for TERA, but we have seen some headway on getting service-connection from this path.

What about VA healthcare, and how is it different from VA disability benefits?

If you can't get service-connection for a condition that you believe is due to a toxic exposure risk activity, you may still be eligible for VA healthcare. But what's the difference? Let's discuss how VA disability benefits are different from VA healthcare.

VA healthcare includes:

• Preventative care

• Treatment and management of symptoms

• Doctor and hospital visits

• Urgent and emergency care

Unlike VA healthcare, VA disability benefits include the same healthcare above, plus tax-free monthly payments, and other benefits regarding home loans, life insurance, and education.

Here's one example: if a veteran had contact with mustard gas during their time in service and are now experiencing symptoms as a result – the VA will offer them healthcare primarily to treat the symptoms.

Get strong documentation to earn service-connection for TERA-related conditions

At MRPY Professional Services, in order for us to write a strong document, we ideally would like to see the TERA evaluation and investigation report or results of the investigation so we can review all the same evidence that the C&P examiner has.

If you're getting ready to file a claim for service-connection, we can help you with expert documentation. A strong VA disability benefits claim starts with the right documents. Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – we help veterans get exactly what they need to be prepared. Begin by signing up for a chart review. You can view our full range of services here.

Note: For VA healthcare regarding TERA, simply sign up for your evaluation and the VA will take it from there.