Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. It is rated by VA under Diagnostic Code 7712 in the schedule for hemic and lymphatic (blood and lymph) conditions.
For veterans, multiple myeloma is recognized as a presumptive condition under four separate exposure frameworks: airborne hazards and burn pits (PACT Act), Agent Orange and other tactical herbicides, ionizing radiation, and Camp Lejeune contaminated water. If you qualify under any one of these, VA presumes a connection to your service, which means you do not have to prove that your service caused the disease. Asbestos exposure is not a presumptive pathway for multiple myeloma.
Linked Military Exposures
Burn pits / PACT Act
Multiple myeloma became a presumptive condition for burn pit and airborne hazard exposure effective January 10, 2025. (It was not on the original August 2022 PACT Act list and was added later.) The presumption applies to Gulf War era service in the Southwest Asia theater or certain other locations on or after August 2, 1990, and to post-9/11 service in covered locations on or after September 11, 2001. See VA's presumptive cancers related to burn pit exposure.
Agent Orange / tactical herbicides
Multiple myeloma is a longstanding presumptive condition for veterans with qualifying exposure to Agent Orange and other tactical herbicides. VA has separately added monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a possible precursor to myeloma, as a presumptive condition for herbicide-exposed veterans; note that MGUS and multiple myeloma are distinct diagnoses. See VA's Agent Orange exposure page.
Ionizing radiation
Multiple myeloma is on the list of diseases presumptively connected to ionizing radiation exposure under 38 CFR 3.309(d) for veterans who participated in a defined radiation-risk activity, such as atmospheric nuclear weapons testing or the postwar occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki. See VA's ionizing radiation page.
Camp Lejeune contaminated water
Multiple myeloma is one of the 8 presumptive conditions tied to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. Eligibility generally requires at least 30 cumulative days of service at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, without a dishonorable discharge. See VA's Camp Lejeune water contamination page.
VA Presumptive Status
Multiple myeloma is currently presumptive under four VA frameworks. (1) Burn pits and other airborne hazards under the PACT Act, 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. (2) Agent Orange and other tactical herbicides (longstanding), with MGUS, a possible precursor, also added as presumptive for herbicide-exposed veterans. (3) Ionizing radiation, for participation in a defined radiation-risk activity. (4) Camp Lejeune contaminated water, as one of the 8 presumptive conditions for 30 or more cumulative days of qualifying service between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
Asbestos exposure is not a presumptive pathway for multiple myeloma. If you qualify under one of the four presumptive frameworks, you do not need to prove that your service caused the disease. Even if you do not meet a presumption, you may still file a claim and seek to establish a direct service connection with supporting evidence.
How the VA Rates It
While active: Symptomatic multiple myeloma is rated 100 percent, continuing for 5 years after the diagnosis of symptomatic disease, then a mandatory VA re-examination.
After remission (residuals): After the period, rated on residual effects under the applicable codes if the disease is not active.
38 CFR reference →Estimate combined pay with the disability calculator, or browse all cancer ratings.
Screening & Early Detection
There is no standard population-wide screening test for multiple myeloma, and screening decisions should be made with a qualified clinician based on your individual history, symptoms, and risk factors. Some veterans are found to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a possible precursor, through routine bloodwork; if MGUS is identified, your provider may recommend periodic monitoring. If you have a qualifying exposure history or symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, or unexplained anemia, discuss appropriate evaluation with your VA or other health care provider. Enrolling in the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry and completing a toxic exposure screening may also help document your exposure history.
Sources
- https://www.va.gov/resources/presumptive-cancers-related-to-burn-pit-exposure/
- https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-makes-several-cancers-presumptive-for-service-connection-lowering-the-burden-of-proof-for-veterans-to-receive-no-cost-health-care-and-earned-benefits/
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/ionizing-radiation/
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-3/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR39056aee4e9ff13/section-3.309
- 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.