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A veteran seeking VA disability benefits must show that they suffer from a service-connected medical condition and that the medical condition is serious enough to warrant a VA disability rating. Leukemia is no exception. If you have been diagnosed with leukemia and believe your illness is related to your military service, here’s what you need to know.
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What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the formation of blood cells. Patients with leukemia may experience symptoms including:
- Frequent infections
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Bone pain
- Easy bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Weight loss
- Inflamed lymph nodes
- Enlarged liver and/or spleen
Service Connection for Leukemia
For veterans who have been exposed to Agent Orange, leukemia is presumed service connected. And, a veteran is presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange if they served in one of a long list of times and places. These include:
- Vietnam, including the country’s inland waterways and on sips without 12 nautical miles of the coast
- In the Korean demilitarized zone
- On C-123 airplanes that transported Agent Orange
- In Thailand between January 9, 1962 and June 30, 1976
- In Laos between December 1, 1965 and September 30, 1969
- In Cambodia (Mimot or Kreck, Kampong Cham Province)between April 16, 169 and April 30, 1969
- In Guam or American Samoa or in their territorial waters between January 9, 1962 and July 31, 1980
- At Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called there between January 1, 1962 and September 30, 1977
Certain other veterans may also have a presumed service connection for leukemia. For example, those exposed to ionizing radiation in a variety of times and places or who performed certain types of work may have a presumed service connection. Veterans who do not have a presumed service connection for leukemia may still be able to establish a connection by showing that they were exposed to a substance that has been connected to increased risk of leukemia.
VA Disability Ratings for Leukemia
Like other forms of cancer, leukemia is assigned a 100% disability rating. This rating applies while the veteran is undergoing treatment, and for six months in remission following treatment. Then, the VA will reevaluate the veteran and assign a new disability rating based on any remaining effects of the leukemia or continuing effects of the treatment they received.
Get the Help You Need with a VA Disability Claim for Leukemia
When you’re fighting a serious illness like leukemia, the last thing you need is the added stress of sorting out a VA disability claim and figuring out what supporting evidence is needed for a successful claim. Fortunately, the seasoned disability benefits advocates at Veterans Help Group have the knowledge and experience to take that burden off your plate. To learn more, call 855-855-8992 or fill out our contact form.
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