Us Code § 1168 - Medical nexus examinations for toxic exposure risk activities

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1168 — Medical nexus examinations for toxic exposure risk activities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1168. Medical nexus examinations for toxic exposure risk activities

(a) Medical Examinations and Medical Opinions.—(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), if a veteran submits to the Secretary a claim for compensation for a service-connected disability under section 1110 of this title with evidence of a disability and evidence of participation in a toxic exposure risk activity during active military, naval, air, or space service, and such evidence is not sufficient to establish a service connection for the disability, the Secretary shall—

(A) provide the veteran with a medical examination under section 5103A(d) of this title; and

(B) obtain a medical opinion (to be requested by the Secretary in connection with the medical examination under subparagraph (A)) as to whether it is at least as likely as not that there is a nexus between the disability and the toxic exposure risk activity.


(2) When providing the Secretary with a medical opinion under paragraph (1)(B) for a veteran, the health care provider shall consider—

(A) the total potential exposure through all applicable military deployments of the veteran; and

(B) the synergistic, combined effect of all toxic exposure risk activities of the veteran.


(3) The requirement under paragraph (2)(B) shall not be construed as requiring a health care provider to consider the synergistic, combined effect of each of the substances, chemicals, and airborne hazards identified in the list under section 1119(b)(2) of this title.

(b) Exception.—Subsection (a) shall not apply if the Secretary determines there is no indication of an association between the disability claimed by the veteran and the toxic exposure risk activity for which the veteran submitted evidence.

(c) Toxic Exposure Risk Activity Defined.—In this section, the term "toxic exposure risk activity" has the meaning given that term in section 1710(e)(4) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 117–168, title III, §303, Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1779.)

About This Section

38 U.S.C. § 1168 is part of Title 38 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 38 U.S.C. § 1168. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1168

What does United States Code § 1168 cover?

Section 1168 ("Medical nexus examinations for toxic exposure risk activities") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1168?

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Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1168 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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