Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma): VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) 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 July 27, 1994. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116.
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: Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma)
- 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
- July 27, 1994
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
- Diagnostic code
- 7703
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: Distinct from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which is separately listed.
About this presumption
Hodgkin's Disease (now called Hodgkin's Lymphoma) is a B-cell lymphoid malignancy characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. It is classified into classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma (nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich, lymphocyte-depleted) and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma. TCDD is associated with lymphoid malignancies through immunosuppressive and mutagenic mechanisms. Even veterans in complete remission following treatment should file, as the condition is ratable at 100% during active treatment.
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; lymph node or tissue biopsy confirming Hodgkin's Lymphoma with Reed-Sternberg cells on pathology; immunohistochemistry (CD15+, CD30+); PET/CT staging; oncology treatment records including chemotherapy regimens (ABVD, BEACOPP, etc.).
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116
Related on VeteranHQ
- Leukemia (except for chronic myelogenous leukemia): 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7703.
- 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 Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) as presumptive in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group, effective July 27, 1994, under 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116. 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 Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) presumption?
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. Note: Distinct from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which is separately listed. 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 Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) claim?
Service records; lymph node or tissue biopsy confirming Hodgkin's Lymphoma with Reed-Sternberg cells on pathology; immunohistochemistry (CD15+, CD30+); PET/CT staging; oncology treatment records including chemotherapy regimens (ABVD, BEACOPP, etc.). 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 Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's Lymphoma)?
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.