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

Toxic exposure risk activities are abbreviated by the VA as TERA and are evaluated differently from regular service-connected conditions. 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 toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) and how they can get help from the VA:

What is TERA?

As we mentioned above, TERA is the 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?

Most veterans assume that toxic exposures and their symptoms are service-connectable conditions, but that actually isn't the case. Instead of filing a claim for VA disability benefits, veterans who have experienced toxic exposure first need to get their situation assessed to confirm exposure. If their exposure is confirmed, they will be given VA healthcare – instead of disability benefits.

So basically, veterans can get VA healthcare due to toxic exposure, but that doesn't automatically mean that it's presumptive for service-connection. For most toxic exposure claims that don't meet the presumptive criteria outlined by the VA, the claim must be proved similarly to a direct to service claim where it's necessary to prove that the exposure caused the condition.

VA disability benefits versus VA healthcare

VA disability benefits are different from VA healthcare. For 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.

VA healthcare includes:

• Preventative care

• Treatment and management of symptoms

• Doctor and hospital visits

• Urgent and emergency care

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

Get service-connection from the VA for your condition

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.