Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, the network of vessels, nodes, and organs that helps the body fight infection. It begins when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. NHL covers many subtypes (such as diffuse large B-cell and follicular lymphoma) and can develop almost anywhere lymph tissue is found.
NHL matters to veterans because several toxic exposures common to military service have been associated with the disease, and the VA recognizes it as a presumptive condition under multiple programs. This means many veterans do not have to prove their lymphoma was caused by service to qualify for VA health care and disability compensation.
Linked Military Exposures
Agent Orange / herbicides
The VA presumes non-Hodgkin lymphoma is service connected for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or other tactical herbicides. The National Academy of Sciences found sufficient evidence of a positive association between herbicide exposure and NHL.
Eligibility generally covers service in the Republic of Vietnam or its inland and offshore waters between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975, as well as the Korean DMZ (September 1967 to August 1971). The PACT Act added locations including Thailand (1962 to 1976), Laos (1965 to 1969), parts of Cambodia (April 1969), Guam and American Samoa (1962 to 1980), and Johnston Atoll (1972 to 1977). Veterans who handled herbicides or worked with C-123 aircraft may also qualify.
Camp Lejeune contaminated water
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the conditions the VA presumes is connected to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, where industrial solvents such as TCE and PCE, plus benzene, were detected in base water systems.
To qualify, a veteran, reservist, or National Guard member must have served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and must not have a dishonorable discharge.
Radiation (Atomic Veterans)
Lymphomas other than Hodgkin's disease, which includes non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are on the VA list of diseases presumed connected to ionizing radiation exposure for radiation-exposed (atomic) veterans.
Eligibility applies to veterans who took part in a recognized radiation-risk activity, such as atmospheric nuclear weapons testing (1945 to 1962), the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki (1945 to 1946), the Enewetak Atoll cleanup (1977 to 1980), or service at certain gaseous diffusion plants. The VA confirms participation through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Burn pits / airborne hazards (PACT Act)
Under the PACT Act, lymphoma of any type (including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and its B-cell and T-cell subtypes) is a presumptive cancer for veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards.
The VA presumes exposure for veterans who served in qualifying locations on or after September 11, 2001 (post-9/11 era) or on or after August 2, 1990 (Gulf War era). Veterans meeting these service criteria do not need to prove their lymphoma was caused by burn pit smoke to be eligible.
VA Presumptive Status
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is recognized as a VA presumptive condition under four frameworks: Agent Orange and other herbicides, Camp Lejeune contaminated water (1953 to 1987), ionizing radiation for atomic veterans, and the PACT Act for burn pit and airborne hazard exposure (lymphoma of any type). Under each program, eligibility depends on meeting the specific service location and date requirements for that exposure.
Because NHL appears on these presumptive lists, qualifying veterans generally do not have to prove a direct link between their cancer and service to receive VA health care and disability compensation. Survivors of veterans who died from NHL may also be eligible for benefits.
How the VA Rates It
While active: 100 percent when there is active disease, during the treatment phase, or with an indolent and non-contiguous phase of low grade NHL, continuing beyond therapy until a mandatory re-examination 2 years after treatment ends.
After remission (residuals): If no recurrence, rated on residual 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 standard population-wide screening test for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but veterans with a qualifying exposure history should be aware of possible warning signs such as painless swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss, and report them to a clinician promptly. Veterans concerned about toxic exposure can request a free VA Toxic Exposure Screening or an exposure registry health exam. This information is general and not a substitute for personalized medical advice from your own provider.
Sources
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/nonhodgkinslymphoma.asp
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/radiation/diseases.asp
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/ionizing-radiation/
- https://www.va.gov/resources/presumptive-cancers-related-to-burn-pit-exposure/
- https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
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.