Veterans who develop chronic B-cell leukemias and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and military service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation.
About chronic B-cell leukemias
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. B-cells are a specific type of lymph cell that affect a body’s immune system. There are two types of B-cell leukemia: prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common form of leukemia and is characterized by production of an excessive number of white blood cells.
Common leukemia signs and symptoms are: persistent fatigue, weakness; frequent infections; weight loss without trying; swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen; easy bleeding or bruising; tiny red spots in the skin (petechiae); and bone pain or tenderness.
Visit MedlinePlus to learn more about chronic lymphocytic leukemia, treatment and the latest research from the National Institutes of Health.
VA benefits for chronic B-cell leukemias
Veterans with chronic B-cell leukemias who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for disability compensation and health care.
Vietnam Veterans may apply for disability compensation for chronic B-cell leukemias using VA's Fast Track Claims Processing System.
Veterans who served in Vietnam, the Korean demilitarized zone or another area where Agent Orange was sprayed may be eligible for an Agent Orange Registry health exam, a free, comprehensive examination.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to herbicides during military service and died as the result of chronic B-cell leukemias may be eligible for survivors' benefits.
Research on B-cell leukemias and herbicides used in Vietnam
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences focused on chronic lymphocytic leukemia in its report "Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2002" and concluded that there is sufficient evidence of an association between exposure to herbicides and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In 2003, VA recognized chronic lymphocytic leukemia as related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service.
The Institute of Medicine concluded in its report "Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2008" released July 24, 2009, that there is sufficient evidence of an association between exposure to Agent Orange and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, including hairy cell leukemia and other chronic B-cell leukemias. As a result, VA expanded chronic lymphocytic leukemia to include all chronic B-cell leukemias as related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. VA's final regulation recognizing this association took effect on October 30, 2010.
View more research on health effects of Agent Orange.
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