AL Amyloidosis: VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists AL Amyloidosis as a presumptive condition in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group. The exposure it is tied to is: Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD). The presumption is effective June 9, 2002. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; VA Final Rule, 67 FR 45096 (July 8, 2002).
A presumption removes one requirement and one only: the veteran does not have to prove a medical link between the condition and service. Everything else still applies. There must be a current diagnosis, the service has to meet the requirements below, and VA decides the claim on the evidence in the record.
What qualifies: AL Amyloidosis
- Service era
- Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975); Korean DMZ; Thailand
- Service location
- Republic of Vietnam, Thailand (specified bases), Korean DMZ, Johnston Island
- Exposure
- Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD)
- Effective date
- June 9, 2002
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
Service required for this presumption
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. Note: Only AL (primary) amyloidosis qualifies — not AA amyloidosis or other forms.
About this presumption
AL (primary) amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by the deposition of misfolded immunoglobulin light chains (AL fibrils) in organs including the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, and soft tissues. It is associated with abnormal plasma cell proliferation, related to multiple myeloma. TCDD-exposed populations show increased plasma cell dyscrasias. IMPORTANT: Only AL (immunoglobulin light chain) amyloidosis qualifies — not AA amyloidosis (reactive/secondary) or hereditary amyloidosis.
Evidence still needed
A presumption does not remove the evidence requirement. VA still needs a current diagnosis from a medical provider and service records that show the qualifying service above. What it removes is the medical opinion connecting the two.
Service records; tissue biopsy (fat pad aspiration, bone marrow, or organ biopsy) with Congo Red staining showing apple-green birefringence under polarized light; immunohistochemistry or mass spectrometry confirming AL (kappa or lambda light chain) type; serum/urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation; free light chain assay.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; VA Final Rule, 67 FR 45096 (July 8, 2002)
Related on VeteranHQ
Questions About AL Amyloidosis and Presumptive Service Connection
Is AL Amyloidosis a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists AL Amyloidosis as presumptive in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group, effective June 9, 2002, under 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; VA Final Rule, 67 FR 45096 (July 8, 2002). A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
What service qualifies for the AL Amyloidosis presumption?
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. Note: Only AL (primary) amyloidosis qualifies — not AA amyloidosis or other forms. Service era: Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975); Korean DMZ; Thailand. Service location: Republic of Vietnam, Thailand (specified bases), Korean DMZ, Johnston Island.
What evidence is still needed for a AL Amyloidosis claim?
Service records; tissue biopsy (fat pad aspiration, bone marrow, or organ biopsy) with Congo Red staining showing apple-green birefringence under polarized light; immunohistochemistry or mass spectrometry confirming AL (kappa or lambda light chain) type; serum/urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation; free light chain assay. A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
Is there a filing deadline for AL Amyloidosis?
No statutory deadline
VeteranHQ publishes VA rules and the citations behind them. It does not prepare, file, or represent claims, and nothing here is legal advice or a prediction of what VA will decide.