Multiple Myeloma (Camp Lejeune): VA Presumptive Condition (Camp Lejeune)
VeteranHQ lists Multiple Myeloma (Camp Lejeune) as a presumptive condition in the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water group. The exposure it is tied to is: Contaminated drinking water: benzene, TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride. The presumption is effective January 29, 2013. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Public Law 112-154.
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 (Camp Lejeune)
- Service era
- August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987
- Service location
- Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (including MCAS New River)
- Exposure
- Contaminated drinking water: benzene, TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride
- Effective date
- January 29, 2013
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
- Diagnostic code
- 7709
Service required for this presumption
Minimum 30 days active duty service at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
About this presumption
Multiple myeloma is presumptively service-connected for Camp Lejeune veterans. Benzene is a proven myelotoxin causing aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myelogenous leukemia, and multiple myeloma. The Benzene concentration in some Lejeune water supply wells was hundreds of times the current EPA maximum contaminant level.
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 with Camp Lejeune dates; bone marrow biopsy showing ≥10% plasma cells; SPEP and UPEP with M-spike; free light chain ratio; skeletal survey or CT imaging; hematologist/oncologist records.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Public Law 112-154
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 (Camp Lejeune) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Multiple Myeloma (Camp Lejeune) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Multiple Myeloma (Camp Lejeune) as presumptive in the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water group, effective January 29, 2013, under 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Public Law 112-154. 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 (Camp Lejeune) presumption?
Minimum 30 days active duty service at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. Service era: August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987. Service location: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (including MCAS New River).
What evidence is still needed for a Multiple Myeloma (Camp Lejeune) claim?
Service records with Camp Lejeune dates; bone marrow biopsy showing ≥10% plasma cells; SPEP and UPEP with M-spike; free light chain ratio; skeletal survey or CT imaging; 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 (Camp Lejeune)?
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.