Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which abnormal white blood cells grow out of control and crowd out healthy cells. It is grouped by how fast it progresses (acute or chronic) and by the cell type involved (myeloid or lymphocytic), giving subtypes such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Several military exposures have been linked to leukemia, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes leukemia as a presumptive condition under multiple programs. The exposure that matters for a given veteran depends on where and when they served. The sections below summarize the major frameworks and their basic eligibility rules. Benefit rules and the underlying science continue to evolve, so veterans should confirm current details with VA.
Linked Military Exposures
Burn pits and airborne hazards (PACT Act)
Open-air burn pits and other airborne hazards in Southwest Asia and other post-9/11 theaters released benzene and other toxic substances associated with blood cancers. Under the PACT Act, VA lists acute and chronic leukemias among the cancers presumed related to burn pit and airborne hazard exposure, effective January 10, 2025.
Qualifying service generally includes Gulf War veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990, and post-9/11 veterans who served in covered locations on or after September 11, 2001. If you meet the service requirements, you do not have to prove your leukemia was caused by service. Veterans should confirm the current list of covered locations with VA.
Agent Orange and other herbicides
Agent Orange and related herbicides were used during the Vietnam War and in other settings. VA recognizes chronic B-cell leukemias as presumptively related to herbicide exposure, a status added on October 30, 2010. This category includes chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), hairy cell leukemia, and prolymphocytic leukemia.
Veterans with qualifying herbicide exposure (for example, service in Vietnam, the Korean demilitarized zone during set periods, or other recognized locations) who develop a chronic B-cell leukemia may be eligible without having to prove a direct link to service. Eligibility depends on confirmed exposure and service, which VA can verify.
Ionizing radiation (radiation-risk activities)
Veterans who took part in radiation-risk activities (such as atmospheric nuclear weapons testing or the post-war occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) may have been exposed to ionizing radiation, a recognized cause of leukemia.
VA presumes service connection for leukemia, except chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), for veterans who participated in qualifying radiation-risk activities. CLL is not covered under this radiation framework, but it can be covered under the Agent Orange (chronic B-cell leukemia) framework for herbicide-exposed veterans. Veterans should confirm which program fits their service history with VA.
Camp Lejeune contaminated water
Drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina was contaminated with industrial solvents and other chemicals, including benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and vinyl chloride.
VA recognizes adult leukemia as a presumptive condition for this exposure. Eligibility generally requires at least 30 cumulative days of service or residence at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, without a dishonorable discharge. Related disability and health care benefits may apply, which VA can detail.
VA Presumptive Status
Leukemia is recognized as a presumptive condition under all four of the major VA exposure frameworks, though the covered subtypes differ:
Burn pits and airborne hazards (PACT Act): Both acute and chronic leukemias are presumptive, effective January 10, 2025, for qualifying Gulf War (Southwest Asia, on or after August 2, 1990) and post-9/11 (covered locations, on or after September 11, 2001) service.
Agent Orange and other herbicides: All chronic B-cell leukemias (including CLL, hairy cell leukemia, and prolymphocytic leukemia) are presumptive, recognized since October 30, 2010.
Radiation-risk activities: Leukemia except chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is presumptive. CLL is excluded here but may be covered under the Agent Orange framework.
Camp Lejeune contaminated water: Adult leukemia is presumptive with at least 30 cumulative days at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
Meeting a presumption means a qualifying veteran does not have to prove their leukemia was caused by service. Because these rules change over time, veterans should verify their specific eligibility with VA.
How the VA Rates It
While active: 100 percent when there is active disease or during a treatment phase, with a mandatory VA re-examination 6 months after therapy ends. Exceptions: asymptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Rai Stage 0 is rated 0 percent, and chronic myeloid leukemia is rated 100, 60, or 30 percent under DC 7719 depending on treatment status.
After remission (residuals): If no recurrence, rated on residual impairment (for example anemia or other effects) under the appropriate codes.
38 CFR reference →Estimate combined pay with the disability calculator, or browse all cancer ratings.
Screening & Early Detection
There is no single routine screening test recommended for leukemia in people without symptoms, and screening guidance can change as evidence develops. Leukemia is often detected through a complete blood count (CBC) done for other reasons, or after symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, or unexplained weight loss prompt testing.
Veterans with a history of the exposures described above may wish to discuss their risk with a health care provider, who can decide whether blood tests or further evaluation are appropriate. Any new or persistent symptoms should be reported promptly. This information is general and not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
Sources
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/benefits/PACT_Act.asp
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/specific-environmental-hazards/
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/radiation/diseases.asp
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
- https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
See all cancers linked to service, the full presumptive conditions list, or learn how to file a claim.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional about your health or benefits.