Claiming VA Disability for Multiple Myeloma Caused by Agent Orange or Other Exposures 

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that begins in the plasma cells of your bone marrow. These cells are part of your immune system and help fight infections. When they grow out of control, they can crowd out healthy blood cells, damage bones, and cause serious health problems.

The VA recognizes multiple myeloma as a condition that can be linked to certain toxic exposures during military service. If you’re a veteran who served in areas where you may have been exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, contaminated water, or radiation, you could be eligible for disability benefits.

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Some people with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all, but common symptoms of the disease include:

• Bone problems: Pain in the bones (any bone, but typically in the back, hips, and skull), bone weakness, and broken bones. 
• Low blood counts: Low amounts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets are common with cases of multiple myeloma. 
• High blood levels of calcium: This would cause extreme thirst, urinating a lot, dehydration, kidney problems, severe constipation, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weakness, drowsiness, and confusion. 
• Nervous system symptoms: The nervous system can be affected if the myeloma weakens the bones in the spine which then affect the spinal nerves. This can then result in sudden severe back pain, numbness (usually in the legs), and muscle weakness (also usually in the legs). 
• Hyperviscosity: Causes the blood to thicken and slow blood flow to the brain resulting in confusion, dizziness, and stroke symptoms. 
• Kidney problems: Kidney damage doesn’t cause any symptoms early on, but signs of damage may be seen on a blood or urine test. 
• Infections: Someone with multiple myeloma is far more likely to get infections than a healthy person. The most common infection seen in people with multiple myeloma is pneumonia. 

If someone has these symptoms, lab tests such as blood and/or urine tests, x-rays of the bones, or a bone marrow biopsy are usually performed to diagnosis multiple myeloma.

Which Toxic Exposures Can Cause Multiple Myeloma?

The VA recognizes multiple toxic exposures as potential causes of multiple myeloma in veterans. These exposures often occurred during service in specific locations or military roles. The most common toxic exposures linked to multiple myeloma include:

• Agent Orange and other herbicides 
• Burn pit smoke and airborne hazards 
• Contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune 
• Ionizing radiation from nuclear or radiologic duties 

Each of these exposures can damage bone marrow cells, weaken the immune system, or introduce carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) into the body. Over time, these effects can contribute to the development of plasma cell cancers like multiple myeloma. 

Scientific research and policy updates (like the PACT Act) have led the VA to establish presumptive service connection for veterans who were exposed to certain chemicals, radiation, or environmental hazards. This means the VA allows many affected veterans to file for disability without having to prove the direct cause; the condition is presumed to be related to service if the exposure and location match approved criteria. 

Multiple Myeloma and Agent Orange 

Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide used heavily during the Vietnam War to destroy vegetation and enemy cover. Unfortunately, it contained dioxin (TCDD) a chemical now known to be highly toxic and linked to several forms of cancer, including multiple myeloma. 

The VA recognizes the strong link between Agent Orange exposure and multiple myeloma, which is why the disease is classified as a presumptive condition. If you served in one of the presumptive locations during the correct time periods and have a diagnosis, the VA will assume the connection between cancer and military service. 

In addition to Vietnam, the VA acknowledges that Agent Orange and similar herbicides were used or stored in other places, including:

• The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from 1967 to 1971 
• Certain Royal Thai Air Force bases during the Vietnam era 
• Military installations or ships where herbicide use or transport occurred, depending on the circumstances 

If a veteran’s records confirm they were in one of these areas, they should qualify under the VA’s rules for herbicide exposure. Cases where the Agent Orange presumption doesn’t apply are more complicated, but buddy statements, unit histories, or service records might help establish exposure. Contact our Agent Orange lawyers for assistance in proving your claim.

Multiple Myeloma and Burn Pits

During military operations in Southwest Asia and surrounding regions, the U.S. military relied on burn pits to dispose of trash, medical waste, plastics, metals, and even chemical materials. These open-air pits produced thick, toxic smoke that service members often inhaled for extended periods, sometimes daily, with little to no protection. 

The smoke from burn pits contained a complex mix of carcinogens, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, heavy metals, and toxic gases. These substances can damage the body’s cellular structure, impair immune function, and alter the way blood cells grow; all of which increase the risk for blood cancers like multiple myeloma. 

Veterans exposed to burn pits have reported respiratory issues, chronic inflammation, and unexplained health conditions years after deployment. Scientific studies and government reports have increasingly supported a biological link between these exposures and certain long-term illnesses. 

The passage of the PACT Act in 2022 formally recognized burn pit exposure as a contributing factor to multiple illnesses, including multiple myeloma, for veterans who served in specific regions. As a result, affected veterans no longer need to track down medical studies or hire specialists to argue their case: if they meet the location and time-based criteria, the VA now assumes their cancer is service-related. 

Multiple Myeloma Is a Presumptive Condition for Veterans Who Served in:

• Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, or the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990 
• Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Uzbekistan, or the airspace above these countries on or after September 11, 2001 

If you served in one of these places and have a multiple myeloma diagnosis, you don’t have to prove it was caused by burn pits.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may qualify for presumptive service connection for multiple health conditions including multiple myeloma.  

Between the early 1950s and late 1980s, the water supply at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated with several harmful chemicals. Veterans and their families living or working on the base during this time unknowingly drank, bathed in, and cooked with water containing industrial solvents and carcinogens. The main chemicals found in the contaminated water included:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – a metal degreaser linked to kidney and blood cancers 
• Perchloroethylene (PCE) – a dry-cleaning solvent associated with liver and immune system damage 
• Benzene – a known cancer-causing agent that targets bone marrow 
• Vinyl chloride – a chemical tied to liver cancer and other malignancies 

In 2017, the VA formally listed multiple myeloma among the presumptive conditions tied to Camp Lejeune exposure, based on health studies conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the National Research Council. If a veteran meets the eligibility requirements and has a confirmed diagnosis of multiple myeloma, they can file for a VA disability rating without needing further medical evidence to link the condition to their service. 

Multiple Myeloma and Radiation Exposure

Exposure to ionizing radiation during military service is another recognized cause of multiple myeloma. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to damage the DNA inside cells, which can lead to cancers of the blood and bone marrow, including multiple myeloma. Veterans may have been exposed to radiation in several service-related situations, such as:

• Participating in nuclear weapons testing 
• Being stationed in or near Hiroshima or Nagasaki during the post-World War II occupation 
• Working in roles involving nuclear propulsion, weapons assembly, or decontamination procedures 
• Serving in radiologic or nuclear medicine positions that used early imaging equipment without modern protections 

To qualify for VA disability under this category, the veteran must first confirm their exposure. This typically involves documentation through service records or special VA programs that track radiation-exposed veterans. From there, the veteran must:

• Show that multiple myeloma is considered a radiogenic disease (it is) 
• Provide a dose estimate of how much radiation they were likely exposed to 
• Go through VA’s radiation claims process, which includes reviews by experts in public health and radiation science 

Unlike some other exposures, radiation-related claims may require more evidence and paperwork. However, the VA does grant presumptive service connection for certain radiation-exposed groups, which simplifies the process in specific cases, especially for veterans with direct participation in U.S. nuclear test programs. 

Can I Get a VA Rating Based on MGUS?

Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) is a blood disorder where abnormal plasma cells produce an unusual protein, known as an M-protein. While MGUS itself isn’t cancer, it is considered a precursor condition that can develop into multiple myeloma or other serious blood cancers over time.

Veterans diagnosed with MGUS during or shortly after their military service may be able to use this diagnosis as supporting evidence in a VA claim, if their condition later progresses into full-blown multiple myeloma. Although MGUS is not on the VA’s presumptive list, it can still play a key role in building a case for direct service connection. 

For example, a veteran who served in an area with known toxic exposure and was later diagnosed with MGUS might be able to show that their environment triggered abnormal changes in their blood cells. If that MGUS later turned into multiple myeloma, a medical nexus opinion could link the progression of the disease to military service. This type of claim may require: 

• Medical records showing the initial MGUS diagnosis 
• Service records indicating possible exposure to hazardous substances 
• A doctor’s statement or opinion explaining how the MGUS likely developed due to military-related exposure and evolved into multiple myeloma 

These elements help strengthen a claim when presumptive service connection isn’t available. In many cases, MGUS provides a timeline of disease progression that gives the VA additional context for granting benefits.

VA Disability Ratings for Multiple Myeloma

When the VA grants service connection for multiple myeloma, the next important step is making sure you receive the correct disability rating. This rating determines how much monthly compensation you’ll receive and what additional benefits you may qualify for. 

Veterans with a current diagnosis of active multiple myeloma generally qualify for the highest possible rating (100%). However, the rating changes based on whether the cancer is still active, has gone into remission, or left behind lasting complications. 

Understanding how the VA evaluates and adjusts your rating helps you stay informed and protect your benefits. Too often, veterans assume the VA will get it right automatically but in reality, mistakes in rating decisions are common. If the VA overlooks lingering symptoms or secondary issues, your rating could be lower than what you’re legally entitled to.

It’s not enough to simply get approved for service connection. You must ensure that every aspect of your condition including cancer status, treatment side effects, and related health problems is fully documented and fairly rated.

How the VA Rates Multiple Myeloma and MGUS

• 100 – Symptomatic multiple myeloma 
• 0 – Asymptomatic, smoldering, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) 

The VA uses Diagnostic Code 7712 under 38 CFR § 4.117 to evaluate multiple myeloma for disability compensation. This code allows the VA to assign a rating based on the activity level of the cancer and any ongoing health effects.

If your cancer is active, you are eligible for a 100% disability rating. This is the highest rating available and reflects the serious nature of active multiple myeloma. This rating is also applied during the period of treatment; whether you’re undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or stem cell transplants. 

Once your treatment ends, the VA keeps the 100% rating in place for six months, giving your body time to recover and stabilize. After that, the VA will schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to determine whether your cancer is still active or has gone into remission. 

If your cancer is no longer active, the VA won’t automatically reduce your rating to zero. Instead, they will evaluate any residual symptoms or lasting damage caused by the disease or its treatment. For example, if you now suffer from nerve damage, anemia, or chronic fatigue, each of those symptoms can be rated separately under the VA’s rating schedule. 

Veterans diagnosed with MGUS, where the cancer is present but not causing symptoms, receive a 0% VA disability rating unless they can prove that the condition worsened or led to other serious health issues. 

For many veterans, the initial 100% rating may not tell the whole story. If your symptoms persist or worsen after treatment, you should provide updated medical records and seek a higher combined rating or secondary condition ratings based on those lingering effects. Get a free case evaluation from Hill & Ponton to ensure you are receiving the benefits you are entitled to. 

Secondary Conditions and Effects of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma doesn’t just affect the plasma cells in your bone marrow; it can create a chain reaction of complications throughout the body. These additional medical issues can be just as disabling as the cancer itself. 

The VA allows veterans to claim secondary conditions for compensation if they are caused or aggravated by a service-connected illness like multiple myeloma. In many cases, these issues persist long after the cancer has been treated or even gone into remission. Some of the most common secondary conditions tied to multiple myeloma include:

• Osteolytic Bone Lesions and Pathologic Fractures – The cancer eats away at bone tissue, creating holes (lesions) and weakening the skeleton. This can result in sudden fractures, limited mobility, and chronic pain, even from normal activities. 
• Osteoporosis – The breakdown of healthy bone due to plasma cell overgrowth often leads to thinning bones, making injuries more likely and recovery more difficult. This condition can progress silently and worsen over time. 
• Hypercalcemia – As bone breaks down, excess calcium enters the bloodstream. This can cause symptoms like nausea, confusion, muscle weakness, and even heart rhythm problems. In extreme cases, it can become a medical emergency. 
• Anemia – With fewer healthy red blood cells being produced in the marrow, veterans often experience constant tiredness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Anemia may persist even after cancer treatment ends. 
• Chronic Kidney Disease or Renal Failure – Multiple myeloma can lead to the buildup of harmful proteins that damage the kidneys. Over time, this can progress into long-term kidney disease, requiring dialysis or other intensive care. 
• Peripheral Neuropathy – Nerve damage may result from the disease itself or from chemotherapy. Symptoms include tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp pain which often occur in the hands and feet. It can affect balance, grip strength, and quality of life. 
• Mental Health Conditions – Living with cancer and its complications can take a toll on emotional health. Anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders are all common, especially when dealing with pain, fear of relapse, or job loss. 
• Severe Fatigue – Even after successful treatment, many veterans report ongoing exhaustion that affects daily functioning. This isn’t just tiredness; it’s a deep, limiting fatigue that interferes with work, relationships, and routine tasks. 

Veterans should document these issues in their claims and ensure that each one is evaluated on its own merits. You can receive separate ratings for each condition if it is proven to be linked to your service-connected multiple myeloma. 

TDIU for Multiple Myeloma

Even when multiple myeloma is in remission, its lingering effects can make it impossible to work a steady job. If your condition, or any related secondary conditions, prevent you from maintaining substantial gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). 

TDIU is a benefit that allows veterans who don’t meet the 100% combined rating to still receive compensation at the 100% rate. It’s designed for veterans whose service-connected disabilities make regular employment unrealistic, even if they don’t reach that full rating under the normal VA schedule. 

For veterans with multiple myeloma, the case for TDIU is often strong, due to symptoms like:

• Debilitating fatigue 
• Bone pain or fractures 
• Peripheral neuropathy impairing mobility or dexterity 
• Kidney issues requiring frequent treatment 
• Mental health challenges due to chronic illness 

These symptoms can all interfere with basic job responsibilities, especially if you’re working in physical labor, transportation, or any job requiring alertness and consistency.  

To qualify for TDIU, a veteran must show:

• At least one service-connected condition rated at 60% or more, or 
• Two or more service-connected conditions with a combined rating of 70%, where one is rated at least 40% 

More importantly, you must demonstrate that your disabilities prevent you from holding or securing substantial employment. This doesn’t mean you can’t do any work at all but it does mean full-time, steady employment is no longer realistic. Veterans should submit: 

• Medical records showing functional limitations 
• Statements from doctors or vocational experts 
• Work history showing why job performance became unsustainable 

TDIU claims are sometimes denied because of vague evidence or unclear forms. Being detailed and honest about how your condition affects your daily abilities and backing it up with documentation can make a major difference in approval. 

Navigating the VA disability system can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a serious illness like multiple myeloma. Even though this condition is presumptive under several exposure categories, many veterans still face delays, errors, or unfair denials when trying to get the rating they deserve. That’s where Hill & Ponton attorneys come in. 

If your claim has been denied, underrated, or if the VA failed to consider your secondary conditions or eligibility for TDIU, we may be able to help with the appeals process. Our firm focuses solely on VA disability law and has decades of experience helping veterans correct unjust rating decisions and secure the full benefits they’re owed. Get your free case evaluation today.