LOADING
Air Force · Ground Combat / Infantry
This profile summarizes the typical exposure environment, common VA disability claim signals, evidence to gather, and C&P exam preparation notes for veterans who served as a Air Force Pararescue (AFSC 1T2X1). It is a discovery reference — not a diagnosis, not a claim filing, and not legal advice.
The exposure environment most commonly associated with this role is weapons fire, blast overpressure, rucking/load carriage, among others. These exposures map to specific VA presumptive frameworks, audiology criteria, and musculoskeletal rating doctrine described under 38 C.F.R. Parts 3 and 4.
Veterans in this role frequently file or receive evaluations for the following service-connected conditions. This list is not exhaustive and does not replace a personal medical evaluation.
The following secondary conditions warrant review when the underlying primary condition is service-connected.
The following records are typically the most probative evidence to support claims for veterans in this occupational specialty. FOIA requests for service treatment records, personnel records, and unit-level documentation should be prioritized before filing.
Build a timeline of weapons/blast exposure, ruck mileage, vehicle vibration, falls, profiles, and continuity of pain/hearing/mental health symptoms.
Bring documentation that establishes frequency, severity, and chronicity of symptoms. Examiners record what they observe — being clear, factual, and complete about how the condition affects daily life is essential.
38 CFR § 4.87 DC 6260 — Tinnitus. 10%: Recurrent tinnitus. This is both the minimum and maximum schedular rating. Smith v. Nicholson, 451 F.3d 1344 (Fed. Cir. 2006) confirmed that 10% is the maximum regardless of whether tinnitus is unilateral or bilateral. Tinnitus is the single…
38 CFR § 4.124a DC 8045 — Traumatic Brain Injury. Revised effective October 23, 2008. TBI uses a unique 10-facet evaluation system across three dysfunction areas: cognitive impairment, emotional/behavioral dysfunction, and physical dysfunction. The 10 facets evaluate: (1) Memory/…
Public Law 117-168 — PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, signed August 10, 2022). Expands VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. Key provisions: Burn pit exposure (post-9/11 SW Asia/Afghanistan): concedes toxic exposure for all vet…
§ 3.320 Claims based on exposure to fine particulate matter. (a) Service connection based on presumed exposure to fine particulate matter —(1) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a disease listed in paragraphs (a)(2) and (3) of this section shall be serv…
Citations updated when 38 C.F.R. or M21-1 doctrine changes.
Public-source core occupation. Validate current status before production deployment.
Other roles with the most similar exposure profile, computed from the 6-axis exposure vector — not just career family.