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 October 16, 2003. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; VA Final Rule, 68 FR 59540 (October 16, 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
- October 16, 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. VA established the CLL presumption by final rule at 68 FR 59540, published and effective October 16, 2003. A later final rule, 75 FR 53202 (published and effective August 31, 2010), BROADENED the same listing to hairy cell leukemia and other chronic B-cell leukemias; it did not create the CLL presumption, which already existed. A veteran with CLL should read the 2003 date, not the 2010 one.
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 59540 (October 16, 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 October 16, 2003, under 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; VA Final Rule, 68 FR 59540 (October 16, 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.