Multiple Myeloma: VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists Multiple Myeloma 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: Multiple Myeloma
- 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; 100% during active treatment, then evaluate for residuals
- Diagnostic code
- 7709
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.
About this presumption
Multiple myeloma is a malignant neoplasm of plasma cells producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin protein (M-protein). Plasma cells proliferate in the bone marrow, causing lytic bone lesions, hypercalcemia, renal impairment, and immunosuppression (CRAB criteria). The National Academy of Medicine found sufficient evidence of association between herbicide exposure and multiple myeloma. Veterans should file even if in remission following stem cell transplant, as residual effects (renal disease, peripheral neuropathy from treatment, infection risk) may be separately ratable.
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; bone marrow biopsy showing >10% monoclonal plasma cells; serum and urine protein electrophoresis with M-spike; free light chain ratio; skeletal survey or whole-body low-dose CT showing lytic lesions; creatinine, calcium levels; hematologist/oncologist records.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116
Related on VeteranHQ
- Hodgkin's lymphoma: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7709.
- 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 Multiple Myeloma and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Multiple Myeloma a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Multiple Myeloma 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 Multiple Myeloma presumption?
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. 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 Multiple Myeloma claim?
Service records; bone marrow biopsy showing >10% monoclonal plasma cells; serum and urine protein electrophoresis with M-spike; free light chain ratio; skeletal survey or whole-body low-dose CT showing lytic lesions; creatinine, calcium levels; hematologist/oncologist records. 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 Multiple Myeloma?
No statutory deadline; 100% during active treatment, then evaluate for residuals
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.