Does Leukemia Qualify for VA Disability? 

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. 

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. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT VA DISABILITY:

• VA Ratings Explained
• Scars and Other Skin Conditions
• What Does A 100% VA Disability Rating Mean?
• How Much VA Disability Will I Recieve?