Claiming VA Disability Ratings for Lymphoma

The Veterans Administration considers lymphomas of all types for disability benefits and assigns ratings from 0% to 100% based on the status of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the impact on the veteran’s life and ability to work. 

Lymphoma is often linked to toxic exposure, making it easier for many veterans to establish service connection and claim compensation under the PACT Act and other legal pathways. 

How Does the VA Rate Lymphoma? 

The VA disability rating for lymphoma is 100% during active treatment, and it continues for a set period after treatment ends. After that period, the VA reassesses based on any remaining effects (residuals). Ratings for residuals range from 0% to 100% under 38 CFR 4.117 (Schedule of Ratings for the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems). 

Type of Lymphoma	Rating	Post-Treatment Evaluation
Active Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (DC 7709)	100%	Mandatory C&P exam 6 months after treatment ends
Active Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (DC 7715)	100%	Mandatory C&P exam 2 years after treatment ends
Low-grade NHL (indolent, non-contiguous phase)	100%	Reassessed at mandatory C&P exam
NHL or HL in remission	0% to 100% based on residuals	Rated by severity and functional impact

The 2026 tax-free compensation for the 100% rating starts at $3,938.58 per month for a single veteran with no dependents. You can see the compensation you would receive for your specific situation using the VA disability calculator. 

Hodgkin Lymphoma Subtypes (DC 7709)

The VA rates all Hodgkin’s disease subtypes under DC code 7709, with active treatment receiving a 100% rating and a mandatory review at six months post-treatment. These include:

• Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL): the most common form of Hodgkin’s disease 
• Nodular Sclerosis HL (NSHL): commonly affects young adults and often presents in the neck and chest 
• Mixed Cellularity HL (MCHL): often seen in older adults, may be linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) 
• Lymphocyte-Rich HL (LRHL): a slow-growing type of Hodgkin’s disease, less common than other subtypes 
• Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL): a distinct, rare, chronic form of Hodgkin’s disease with “popcorn cells” 
• Lymphocyte-Depleted HL (LDHL): the least common but most aggressive subtype, often linked with HIV/AIDS 

Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Most subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are evaluated and rated under diagnostic code 7715, with a 100% rating assigned during active disease for 2 years after ending treatment. 

The exception is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which has a different diagnostic code and is assigned a 100% rating during active disease for 6 months, then reassessed to evaluate residuals. See how to get VA disability for CLL. 

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas represent very common VA disability claims and are often associated with toxic exposures (particularly Agent Orange, but also burn pits). 

B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; a fast-growing B-cell cancer that may spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs 
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (rated under DC 7703): a slow-developing cancer that affects B cells; many people have no symptoms at first and may not need treatment for years 
• Small Lymphocytic Leukemia (SLL): slow-growing; characterized by abnormal B cells that accumulate in the spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow; considered the same disease as CLL and rated as such, but SLL primarily affects lymph nodes while CLL involves large numbers of abnormal cells in the blood 
• Follicular Lymphoma: a slow-growing B-cell cancer often described as manageable but not fully curable; may progress to a faster-growing form such as DLBCL 
• Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): begins in the lymph node “mantle zone” and often spreads to the digestive tract, blood, and bone marrow; tends to be aggressive 
• Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL): a group of slow-growing B-cell lymphomas that develop in the marginal zone of lymphoid tissue; subtypes include extranodal MZL (MALT lymphoma), splenic MZL, and nodal MZL 
• Burkitt Lymphoma: a highly aggressive B-cell cancer; among the fastest-growing human tumors; requires immediate, intensive chemotherapy 
• Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma / Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: a rare, slow-growing B-cell cancer that produces large amounts of an abnormal protein (IgM); most common in older adults 

T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas 

• Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL): a diverse group of aggressive lymphomas arising from mature T-cells; often affects lymph nodes, skin, and organs 
• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL): primarily affects the skin; research uncovered a 6 to 8 times higher incidence of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in veterans than in the general population (and thought to be even higher due to underreporting) 
• Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL): can arise in lymph nodes or other tissues 
• Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma (AITL): often presents with fever, night sweats, and enlarged lymph nodes 
• Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL): associated with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) 
• T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukemia: a fast-growing cancer affecting immature T-cells 

Lymphoma Risk Factors Specific to Military Service

• Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, and other locations 
• Burn pit smoke in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southwest Asia: veterans exposed to burn pit toxins may develop lymphoma at a younger average age (47) than unexposed veterans 
• Ionizing radiation from nuclear testing, cleanup operations, or wartime occupation 
• Contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, North Carolina 

A 2025 study (Polygenic Risk, Agent Orange Exposure, and Lymphoid Neoplasms in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program) found that Agent Orange exposure increases the risk of lymphatic cancers by approximately 60%, including a 61% increased risk for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a 71% increased risk for follicular lymphoma, and a 26% increased risk for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. 

How to Service Connect Lymphoma

To receive VA disability compensation for lymphoma, you must establish service connection. This means proving your lymphoma is linked to military service. According to Caluza v. Brown, 7 Vet. App. 508 (1995), a direct service connection claim requires three elements: 

1. A current lymphoma diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider 
2. An in-service event: evidence of an exposure or event during military service that caused or worsened lymphoma 
3. A medical nexus opinion: a statement from a qualified provider explaining that lymphoma is “at least as likely as not” caused or exacerbated by military service 

Types of Service Connection 

• Direct: Lymphoma began during service or was caused by a documented in-service event or exposure not covered by presumptive rules 
• Secondary: Lymphoma developed as a result of treatment for another service-connected condition (for example, radiation therapy for a service-connected cancer) 
• Presumptive: For veterans exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, ionizing radiation, or Camp Lejeune water, the VA may presume the lymphoma was caused by the exposure without need of further proof (under 38 CFR 3.307 and 38 CFR 3.309) 

Evidence to Submit with Your Claim

•  Medical records showing a current lymphoma diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider 
• Lab findings confirming diagnosis via tissue analysis or bone marrow biopsy 
• Imaging studies (CT or PET scans) demonstrating the presence and extent of the malignancy 
• Service records documenting exposure location and dates (Vietnam, Southwest Asia, Camp Lejeune, nuclear sites) 
• A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam showing current symptoms, treatment status, and service connection 
• A medical nexus opinion letter from an oncologist or treating physician (required for non-presumptive claims) 

When Is Lymphoma a Presumptive Condition? 

Veterans exposed to certain toxic substances qualify for presumptive service connection. This means the VA accepts the link between service and lymphoma without requiring a medical nexus letter. To qualify for any VA presumptive condition, veterans must have: 

• An active duty military service discharge other than dishonorable 
• A current, confirmed lymphoma diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider 
• Service in an approved location and time period recognized for the specific toxic exposure 

Agent Orange 

Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are both included on the VA’s list of presumptive conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure under 38 U.S.C. 1116. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is categorized as a primary, high-priority presumptive condition. Qualifying locations and dates include: 

• Republic of Vietnam: January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 (including inland waterways, blue water Navy, and coastal operations)
• Korean DMZ: September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971 
• Thailand military bases: January 9, 1962 to June 30, 1976 
• Laos: December 1, 1965 to September 30, 1969 
• Cambodia at Krek Mimot or Kampong Cham Province: April 16 to April 30, 1969 
• Johnston Atoll: January 1, 1972 to September 30, 1977 
• Guam or American Samoa: January 9, 1962 to July 31, 1980 
• Ongoing maintenance or operations of C-123 aircraft formerly used to spray Agent Orange or herbicides 
• Involvement in transporting, storing, testing, or handling Agent Orange during military service (see U.S. military bases where Agent Orange was stored) 

Ionizing Radiation (non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) 

The VA recognizes certain cancers as presumptive for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is included on this list, while Hodgkin’s disease is excluded. Qualifying radiation exposures include: 

• Enewetak Atoll radiological cleanup: January 1, 1977 to December 31, 1980 
• Palomares, Spain, U.S. Air Force plutonium cleanup: January 17, 1966 to March 31, 1967 
• Thule, Greenland, U.S. Air Force plutonium cleanup: January 21, 1968 to September 25, 1968 
• Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, occupation (including prisoners of war): August 6, 1945 to July 1, 1946 
• Atmospheric nuclear weapons testing: 1945 to 1962, or at least 250 days at Nevada test sites from January 1, 1963 to December 31, 1992 
• Amchitka Island, Alaska, underground nuclear weapons testing before January 1, 1974 
• Gaseous diffusion plants (Portsmouth, OH; Paducah, KY; K-25 in Oak Ridge, TN): at least 250 days of military duty before February 1, 1992 
• Radiation exposure from medical therapy, such as cancer treatment 

Under 38 CFR 3.311, the VA will also consider rating disorders not on its presumptive list when expert medical evidence establishes a nexus between the disorder and radiation exposure during service. 

Camp Lejeune (non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) 

Strong evidence links non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to exposure to chemicals in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. Veterans diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are eligible for presumptive disability compensation if they meet both of the following requirements: 

• Stationed at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987 
• Not discharged under dishonorable status 

Burn Pits and Airborne Hazards

According to the Veterans Administration, veterans exposed to burn pit toxins may develop lymphoma at a younger age than the average age of onset (47), compared to those who were not exposed. 

Lymphoma cancers of any type are included in the PACT Act of 2022 as presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits during military service in Southwest Asia and the Persian Gulf. Qualifying locations include: 

• Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar (for service on or after August 2, 1990) 
• Syria, Afghanistan, Jordan, Yemen, Lebanon, Djibouti, Uzbekistan, Egypt (for service on or after September 11, 2001) 

Getting a VA Rating for Lymphoma and Its Effects

To qualify for the 100% rating for lymphoma, the VA must verify that the disease is active and cancer therapy is underway. A lymphoma rating decision typically requires: 

• Medical records documentation showing active/ongoing treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplantation 
• A recent lymphoma diagnosis medically documented by a licensed healthcare provider 
• Lab findings confirming a recent diagnosis via tissue analysis or bone marrow sample 
• Imaging studies (including CT or PET scans) demonstrating the presence and spread of the malignancy 
• A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam showing current symptoms, treatment status, and service connection 

Is a C&P Exam Required to Get a Rating?  

Yes. The VA requires a C&P exam for the initial rating, then another one after the mandatory period (6 months or 2 years) to reassess any residual symptoms or conditions. 

During the C&P exam, the healthcare provider reviews medical records and conducts an evaluation that may include physical findings, mental health screening, and laboratory test results. The examiner prepares a report, often including a DBQ, and submits it to a VA for a rating decision.   

After the treatment period, another VA exam determines whether the disease has returned. If it has not, the VA rates any lasting effects (residuals) from 0% to 100%, depending on severity and functional impact.

Rating the Residuals of Hodgkin’s Disease 

• Chronic fatigue or weakness – 10% to 100% depending on level of fatigue, strength reduction, and restriction of daily activities (often 30% to 60% when daily function is limited) 
• Heart conditions related to treatment – 10% to 100% based on factors such as structural damage to the heart and symptoms (including shortness of breath with activity) 
• Lung impairment – 0% to 100%, depending on ongoing breathing difficulties and pulmonary function testing (lung capacity and airflow measurements)   
• Anemia – 0% to 100%,  depending on hemoglobin levels, transfusion, or continued iron supplementation needs 
• Peripheral neuropathy – 10% to 80%, depending on the affected nerve and limb, and  
  symptoms (including sensory loss, muscle weakness, and nerve pain) 
• Cognitive impairment  - 10% to 100% based on memory problems, trouble focusing, and how symptoms interfere with work and daily responsibilities. 
• Immune system suppression -  0% to 100%, based on severity, including how often flare-ups occur, functional impairments, and other factors 
• Hypothyroidism – up to 30% based on symptoms (such as low energy and weight gain) and the need for ongoing medication

Rating the Residuals of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 

• Lymphedema: a residual effect of lymphoma, characterized by chronic swelling due to damage or removal of lymph nodes. Long-term, severe lymphedema may be rated at 10% to 100%, depending on the severity of swelling and pain and the extent to which it limits movement or daily function.    
• Enlarged lymph nodes: long-term, non-cancerous lymphadenopathy may be evaluated at 0%, 10%, or 30%, generally rated based on symptoms, ongoing medication needs, or functional impairments.  Enlarged lymph nodes may be rated as a separate condition or a recurrence, with a 100% rating when the nodes enlarge after a period of remission. Recurrence must be confirmed via new medical evidence showing lymphoma is active again. 
• Lymphadenectomy (lymph node removal): rated under scarring or disfigurement from 0% to 80% based on location, pain, size, and any negative cosmetic effects.  
• Anemia: rated at  0% to 100% depending on laboratory findings, need for treatment, and overall health effects. 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome: often rated between 10% and 60%, depending on daily activity limitation 
• Peripheral neuropathy: rated at 10% to 40% or higher per affected limb, based on nerve impairment. 
• Organ damage or dysfunction: rated at  0% to 100%, depending on which organ is involved and the impairment level 

How Does the VA Rate Lymphadenopathy Compared to Lymphoma? 

Lymphoma is rated as a type of cancer, while lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is a symptom. Active lymphoma is assigned a 100% rating during treatment and for a set period afterward. Lymphadenopathy is usually rated lower (0% to 80%) and may be noncompensable when it causes minimal impairment.  

What Secondary Conditions Can Also Be Rated?

Lymphoma and its treatment often cause secondary conditions that may be rated separately as service-connected disabilities. The following table compares secondary conditions that commonly arise from Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

Secondary Condition	Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL)	Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
Secondary Blood Cancers	Increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS); may later progress to non-Hodgkin lymphoma	Increased risk of AML and MDS; may develop a different subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after treatment
Solid Tumors	Increased rates of lung cancer and breast cancer (especially in women treated with chest radiation)	Greater incidence of secondary cancers affecting the kidney, brain, or bladder
Secondary Malignancy Patterns	New cancers often emerge many years later, sometimes 10 to 30 years after treatment	Secondary cancers often appear 3 to 12 months after initial treatment, but could occur 5 to 10 or more years post-treatment
Cardiovascular Disease	Higher risk of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, cardiac valve injury, particularly after chest radiation or anthracycline therapy	Elevated risk of heart failure, CAD, atherosclerosis, cardiac valve injury (particularly after chest radiation or anthracycline)
Thyroid Disorder	Hypothyroidism is common (about 20 to 30%) in those treated with radiation to the neck or upper chest	Thyroid conditions may occur, but are less common in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma than in Hodgkin’s
Pulmonary Conditions	Greater risk of pulmonary fibrosis or chronic lung impairment than in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to common use of Blenoxane and high-dose chest radiation	Lung disease is possible depending on the treatment exposure
Reproductive Disorders	Infertility or early menopause, particularly after alkylating chemotherapy treatment	Similar risk of infertility or premature menopause following alkylating agents
Mental Health Conditions	Increased rates of anxiety and depression linked with chronic fatigue syndrome	Anxiety  Depressive disorders  (linked with CFS, which often lasts years after treatment ends)

A VA rule called “anti-pyramiding” (38 CFR 4.14) states that when two service-connected conditions cause the same symptom (such as chronic weakness), the VA cannot rate that symptom twice. In this scenario, the VA will usually assign the highest rating to the condition. 

When residuals overlap with secondary conditions, each condition is assessed independently based on its impact on function. The VA then applies its combined ratings formula to determine the overall disability percentage. 

What Benefits Can You Get for Lymphoma? 

The specific VA benefits a veteran qualifies for depend on various factors, such as the current disability rating and whether the veteran is rated 100% disabled under Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). 

As established in Rice v. Shinseki, 22 Vet. App. 447 (2009), TDIU must be considered as part of any pending claim for a higher rating when the record reasonably raises the issue. Find out more. 

Special Monthly Compensation (providing a higher monthly payment than the 100% VA disability rate) may also be a possibility when daily aid and attendance is required.

Benefits for a 100% rating include: 

• The highest priority for VA health services (Priority Group 1), including no-cost VA prescription drug and healthcare coverage 
• A VA funding fee waiver that eliminates the funding fee for a VA home loan 
• Grants that provide funding to purchase, build, or modify a home to accommodate severe service-connected impairments 
• Total or partial property tax relief (offered in many states) 
• Educational assistance for eligible dependents (DEA Chapter 35) 
• Comprehensive health insurance for spouses and children (CHAMPVA) 

Mistakes That Hurt Lymphoma Disability Claims

Many lymphoma claims are denied or underrated because of avoidable errors: 

• Skipping the post-treatment C&P exam. The VA schedules a mandatory exam after treatment ends. Missing this exam can result in a rating reduction without a proper residuals assessment. 
• Not claiming residuals after remission. The 100% rating during active treatment will be reduced after the post-treatment period, but veterans in remission can still receive compensation for lasting effects such as neuropathy, fatigue, and organ damage. Not identifying all residuals leaves meaningful compensation unclaimed. 
• Missing presumptive pathways. Veterans with qualifying service in Vietnam, the Korean DMZ, Camp Lejeune, or Southwest Asia do not need to prove a direct nexus. Filing without knowing presumptive eligibility forces an unnecessary burden of proof. 
• Failing to claim secondary conditions. Secondary cancers, cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, peripheral neuropathy, and mental health conditions caused by lymphoma treatment are each separately ratable. Each condition can add meaningful compensation. 
• Weak nexus letters for non-presumptive claims. A letter stating only that lymphoma “may be related to service” is not sufficient. The nexus opinion must use the “at least as likely as not” standard and explain the specific medical mechanism connecting service to the diagnosis. 
• Underreporting symptoms at C&P. Describe your worst days, not your best. Include the frequency, severity, and specific impact of symptoms on daily activities, work, and sleep. 
• Not requesting the indolent phase rating for low-grade NHL. Veterans with slow-growing NHL subtypes (follicular, SLL, marginal zone) may qualify for the 100% rating during the indolent, non-contiguous phase even without active treatment. This is frequently overlooked.