Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists Non-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; Agent Orange Act of 1991; initial presumptive established 1994.
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: Non-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; survivors of deceased veterans with this condition should file DIC
- Diagnostic code
- 7715
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
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) encompasses a diverse group of lymphoid malignancies originating from B-cells, T-cells, or NK-cells, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and others. TCDD is an established lymphomagenic agent. NHL was one of the original Agent Orange presumptive conditions established by the Agent Orange Act of 1991. The National Academy of Medicine has consistently found 'sufficient evidence' of the association. Does NOT include Hodgkin's Lymphoma (which is separately listed).
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; pathology/biopsy report confirming NHL histological type; bone marrow biopsy if indicated; PET/CT staging; oncology treatment records. Distinguish from Hodgkin's Disease (separate presumptive) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (also a separate presumptive as B-Cell Leukemia).
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(e); 38 USC § 1116; Agent Orange Act of 1991; initial presumptive established 1994
Related on VeteranHQ
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7715.
- 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 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Non-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; Agent Orange Act of 1991; initial presumptive established 1994. 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 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 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 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma claim?
Service records; pathology/biopsy report confirming NHL histological type; bone marrow biopsy if indicated; PET/CT staging; oncology treatment records. Distinguish from Hodgkin's Disease (separate presumptive) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (also a separate presumptive as B-Cell Leukemia). 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 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?
No statutory deadline; survivors of deceased veterans with this condition should file DIC
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.