§1168 Medical Nexus Examinations for Toxic Exposure Risk Activities

Summary

If a veteran files for disability pay under section 1110 and gives proof of a disability plus proof they took part in a toxic‑exposure risk activity while on active duty, but that proof does not by itself show the disability came from service, the Secretary must arrange a medical exam under section 5103A(d) and get a medical opinion about whether it is at least as likely as not that the disability is connected to the toxic exposure. The medical opinion must look at the veteran’s total possible exposure across all deployments and at the combined effects of the veteran’s toxic‑exposure activities. A health care provider does not have to break down the combined effects for every single listed chemical or hazard. Subsection (a) does not apply if the Secretary finds no sign of a link between the claimed disability and the reported toxic‑exposure activity. “Toxic‑exposure risk activity” is defined in section 1710(e)(4).