Blood and lymphatic system · 38 CFR 4.117
Blood and Lymphatic Conditions and VA Disability
This system covers the blood and the lymph nodes, including anemias, clotting problems, and cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Many of these cancers are tied to toxic exposure. The VA rates an active blood cancer at 100 percent, then rates what treatment leaves behind.
Patriot Path handles the medical side of these claims. Our physicians write the nexus letters and independent medical opinions that connect a blood or lymphatic condition to your service or to a toxic exposure. The fee is a flat $1,500, and the first consultation is free.
Medically reviewed by the Patriot Path Medical Team
Licensed MD reviewers • Last updated: June 2026
Conditions in this system
These are the blood and lymphatic conditions veterans claim most. Full guides are on the way.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphomaGuide in progress
A cancer of the lymph system. An Agent Orange and burn-pit presumptive. 100 percent while active, then rated on residuals.
DC 7715
- Multiple myelomaGuide in progress
A cancer of the plasma cells. Presumptive for Agent Orange and burn-pit exposure.
DC 7712
- LeukemiaGuide in progress
Cancer of the blood. Several types are presumptive for Agent Orange, radiation, and burn-pit exposure.
DC 7703
- Hodgkin lymphomaGuide in progress
A cancer of the lymph nodes, and an Agent Orange presumptive. 100 percent during active disease.
DC 7709
- Anemia
Low red blood cells, causing fatigue. Rated on your symptoms and how much treatment it takes, such as iron infusions.
DC 7720
- Immune thrombocytopeniaGuide in progress
A low platelet count that raises bleeding risk. Rated on platelet levels and treatment.
DC 7705
How the VA rates blood and lymphatic conditions
Blood cancers follow a clear pattern. While the cancer is active, and through treatment, the VA rates it at 100 percent. After treatment ends, a required exam looks at what is left. The VA then rates the residuals, like fatigue, nerve damage, or a weakened immune system.
Non-cancer conditions are rated on their day-to-day burden. Anemia is rated on your symptoms and whether you need infusions or other treatment. A low platelet count is rated on the count itself and how often it needs treatment. The worse the numbers and the more treatment they take, the higher the rating.
The reason this system matters so much is toxic exposure. Many of these cancers are presumptive. Agent Orange, radiation, and burn-pit exposure each carry a list of blood and lymphatic cancers the VA links to service automatically.
Connecting a blood or lymphatic condition to service
There are a few ways to tie a blood or lymphatic condition to your service:
- Direct. The condition was diagnosed in service, or its cause traces to your service. Records and lab results help establish it.
- Presumptive (toxic exposure). Many blood cancers are presumptive. Agent Orange covers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic B-cell leukemias (38 CFR 3.309(e)). Radiation and burn-pit exposure add more. The VA accepts the link, so you do not have to prove the cause.
- Secondary. Another service-connected condition or its treatment caused it (38 CFR 3.310). Anemia that grows out of chronic kidney disease is one example.
For a direct or secondary claim, the VA needs a current diagnosis, an in-service cause, and a medical opinion linking them (38 CFR 3.303). That opinion has to clear the “at least as likely as not” standard, a 50 percent or better chance. That standard is the benefit-of-the-doubt rule under 38 U.S.C. 5107(b), carried out in 38 CFR 3.102. A nexus letter is that linking opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Is my leukemia or lymphoma connected to Agent Orange?
It may be presumptive. Agent Orange covers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic B-cell leukemias under 38 CFR 3.309(e). If you had qualifying exposure, the VA accepts the link to service, so you do not have to prove the cause.
How does the VA rate an active blood cancer?
At 100 percent. The rating stays at 100 percent during active disease and through treatment. After treatment, a required exam reviews your residuals, and the VA re-rates based on what the cancer and its treatment left behind.
Are burn-pit cancers presumptive too?
Yes. The PACT Act added blood cancers to the burn-pit presumptive list, including lymphomas, leukemias, multiple myeloma, and certain bone-marrow conditions. Eligibility depends on where and when you served.
Can I get VA disability for anemia?
Yes, when it is connected to service or to another service-connected condition. Anemia is rated under Diagnostic Code 7720, on your symptoms and how much treatment it takes, such as iron infusions.
Do I need a nexus letter if my cancer is presumptive?
Often no. If your cancer is on a presumptive list and you meet the exposure and service rules, the VA accepts the link. For a non-presumptive blood condition or a secondary claim, a nexus letter is usually the deciding piece.
A blood cancer or condition after service?
Tell us what you are dealing with. The first consultation is free, and we will tell you straight whether a nexus letter can strengthen your claim.
Sources & regulatory references
- VA disability compensation (VA.gov) https://www.va.gov/disability/
- 38 CFR 4.117, Schedule of ratings, hemic and lymphatic systems (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.117
- 38 CFR 3.309, Disease subject to presumptive service connection (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-3.309
- 38 CFR 3.310, Secondary service connection (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-3.310
- Agent Orange exposure and disability compensation (VA.gov) https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
- Presumptive cancers and burn pit exposure (VA.gov) https://www.va.gov/resources/presumptive-cancers-related-to-burn-pit-exposure/