For Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service, the risk of developing chronic B-cell leukemia is significantly higher than the general population. Recognizing this increased risk, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has designated chronic B-cell leukemia as a presumptive condition for Veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
This means that if a Veteran can prove exposure to Agent Orange during service and has a current diagnosis of chronic B-cell leukemia, the VA will automatically grant service connection for the condition without requiring proof that Agent Orange directly caused the disability. Even if a Veteran cannot directly prove exposure to Agent Orange, if they can show that they were deployed in a location known to have been contaminated with Agent Orange, they can also take advantage of the presumption of service connection for their chronic B-cell leukemia.
The experienced Veterans law attorneys at Berry Law file claims for VA disability benefits for Agent Orange exposure. They work as advocates for Veterans who need help filing a claim, pursuing an appeal of a denied claim, or contesting a low disability rating.
Chronic B-cell leukemia is a cancer affecting white blood cells, specifically lymphocytes or B-cells. These cells are crucial components of the immune system, helping to fight off disease and infection. Chronic B-cell leukemia, also known as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, occurs when the body produces an excessive number of B-cells, often ineffective ones that impede the function of other essential blood cells.
While many individuals with chronic B-cell leukemia may be asymptomatic, some may experience fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, frequent infections, pain in the upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen, or enlarged lymph nodes.
The exact causes of chronic B-cell leukemia remain uncertain, but risk factors include advanced age and exposure to certain chemicals, including those found in pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange.
As of 2024, VA recognizes chronic B-cell leukemia as a presumptive condition related to Agent Orange exposure. Veterans should be aware that the list of presumptive conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure has expanded in recent years. The PACT Act of 2022 added several new presumptive conditions and expanded the list of locations where Veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange.
Veterans who previously had claims denied for chronic B-cell leukemia or other conditions now recognized as presumptive may be eligible to file a new claim. VA is currently conducting outreach to Veterans who may be eligible for benefits under these expanded policies.
Veterans diagnosed with chronic B-cell leukemia who were exposed to Agent Orange during their military service are entitled to VA benefits. These benefits may include disability compensation, healthcare, and other support services. The VA’s presumptive service connection policy simplifies the claims process for eligible Veterans.
While chronic B-cell leukemia is a significant concern for Veterans exposed to Agent Orange, other conditions are also presumptively linked to this exposure. VA recognizes several cancers and diseases as presumptive conditions, meaning they’re assumed to be service-connected for Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.
Some of the other cancers and diseases presumptively linked to Agent Orange exposure include:
Veterans may be eligible for additional benefits if they develop multiple presumptive conditions, or if their service-connected condition led to additional otherwise unrelated disabilities. Each service-connected condition can be separately evaluated for disability compensation, potentially increasing the overall disability rating and corresponding benefits.
Chronic B-cell leukemia may co-occur with other conditions due to several factors:
Veterans diagnosed with chronic B-cell leukemia should be vigilant about monitoring for symptoms of other Agent Orange-related conditions and disabilities caused by their cancer. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers can provide early detection and management of any co-occurring conditions.
Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide and defoliant, was used extensively by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War era, primarily from 1962 to 1971 as part of Operation Ranch Hand. Its main use was in Vietnam, but it was also employed in the Korean DMZ, Thailand, and parts of Laos and Cambodia.
Named for its orange-striped storage barrels, Agent Orange was a mixture of herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. Unbeknownst to users at the time, it contained a highly toxic dioxin contaminant called TCDD.
Veterans were exposed to Agent Orange for tactical reasons:
Exposure occurred through:
The use of Agent Orange ceased in 1971 after health risks were identified. However, its effects continue to impact Veterans decades later. This led to the VA establishing presumptive service connection for certain conditions, including chronic B-cell leukemia, for Veterans who served in affected areas.
Understanding this history helps explain current VA policies and emphasizes the importance of ongoing health monitoring for those potentially exposed.
Veterans who believe they developed chronic B-cell leukemia due to Agent Orange exposure during their military service should consider filing a claim with the VA. If a claim has been denied, Veterans have the right to appeal the decision.
Berry Law, with its team of experienced VA lawyers, many of whom are Veterans themselves, focuses on assisting Veterans with their VA claims and appeals. The firm’s experience can be invaluable in navigating the complex VA claims process and ensuring Veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
Veterans seeking to file a claim or appeal a VA decision regarding chronic B-cell leukemia or other Agent Orange-related conditions are encouraged to contact Berry Law for a consultation. With ongoing changes in VA policies and legislation, professional legal assistance can help Veterans stay informed about their rights and options.Our attorneys represent Veterans from all branches of the service who are fighting to secure disability benefits for B-cell leukemia related to Agent Orange exposure. Our team can handle claims in all 50 states and is available 24/7. Call 888-883-2483 or fill out our online contact form for a free confidential consultation.
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