Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL): VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL) 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 May 7, 2003. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; VA Final Rule, 68 FR 27630 (May 20, 2003).
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: Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL)
- 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
- May 7, 2003
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
- Diagnostic code
- 7714
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. Covers all chronic B-cell leukemias, most commonly Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and its variant Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL).
About this presumption
Chronic B-Cell Leukemias — primarily Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) — are presumptively service-connected for herbicide-exposed veterans. CLL is the most common leukemia in the Western world and is characterized by clonal expansion of mature, antigen-experienced B-lymphocytes. TCDD-exposed populations show significantly elevated CLL incidence. Note: This covers only B-CELL leukemias; acute leukemias fall under the Radiation presumptive category, not Agent Orange, unless also applying for Agent Orange.
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; peripheral blood flow cytometry showing CD5+/CD19+/CD23+ monoclonal B-cell population (≥5,000/μL); CBC with differential showing lymphocytosis; bone marrow biopsy if needed for staging; hematologist records with Rai or Binet staging.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; VA Final Rule, 68 FR 27630 (May 20, 2003)
Related on VeteranHQ
- Sickle cell anemia: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7714.
- VA presumptive conditions, explainedHow presumptive service connection works, and what it does not cover.
- All presumptive conditions by exposureAgent Orange, PACT Act, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War, and ionizing radiation.
Questions About Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL) as presumptive in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group, effective May 7, 2003, under 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; VA Final Rule, 68 FR 27630 (May 20, 2003). 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 Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL) presumption?
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. Covers all chronic B-cell leukemias, most commonly Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and its variant Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL). 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 Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL) claim?
Service records; peripheral blood flow cytometry showing CD5+/CD19+/CD23+ monoclonal B-cell population (≥5,000/μL); CBC with differential showing lymphocytosis; bone marrow biopsy if needed for staging; hematologist records with Rai or Binet staging. 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 Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CLL)?
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.