Leukemia (except for chronic myelogenous leukemia) DC 7703
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7703 in 38 CFR 4.117. Body system: Other.
Also searched as: leukemia.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 2 rating levels for this code: 0%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.117 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 100% | When there is active disease or during a treatment phase |
| 0% | Chronic lymphocytic leukemia or monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), asymptomatic, Rai Stage 0 |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.117, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Otherwise rate residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s)
Notes in the schedule (3)
Note (1): A 100 percent evaluation shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical therapy, radiation therapy, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter. If there has been no recurrence, rate on residuals
Note (2): Evaluate symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia that is at Rai Stage I, II, III, or IV the same as any other leukemia evaluated under this diagnostic code
Note (3): Evaluate residuals of leukemia or leukemia therapy under the appropriate diagnostic code(s). Myeloproliferative Disorders: (Diagnostic Codes 7704, 7718, 7719)
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Burn pits and airborne hazards (PACT Act)
Covered: Acute and chronic leukemias.
Who qualifies: Active duty on or after August 2, 1990 in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, or the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia; or on or after September 11, 2001 in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, or Yemen. The airspace above these places counts. Conditions can start any time after service.
38 CFR 3.320 and 38 U.S.C. 1119-1120. Sources: 38 CFR 3.320; VA.gov: Exposure to burn pits and other specific environmental hazards; VA.gov: Presumptive cancers related to burn pit exposure; VA.gov: The PACT Act and your VA benefits
Agent Orange and herbicides
Covered: Chronic B-cell leukemias, including chronic lymphocytic and hairy-cell leukemia.
Who qualifies: Any length of service in Vietnam, on its inland waterways, or within 12 nautical miles offshore (January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975); at a U.S. or Royal Thai base in Thailand (January 9, 1962 to June 30, 1976); in Laos (December 1, 1965 to September 30, 1969); at Mimot or Krek, Cambodia (April 16 to 30, 1969); on Guam or American Samoa or their waters (January 9, 1962 to July 31, 1980); on Johnston Atoll or a ship that called there (January 1, 1972 to September 30, 1977); in or near the Korean DMZ (September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971); with regular duty on C-123 aircraft that carried Agent Orange; or handling, testing, or storing Agent Orange.
38 CFR 3.307(a)(6) and 3.309(e). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Agent Orange exposure and disability compensation; VA.gov: The PACT Act and your VA benefits
Camp Lejeune contaminated water
Covered: Adult leukemia.
Who qualifies: At least 30 days total (in a row or not) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. Veterans, reservists, and National Guard members qualify.
38 CFR 3.307(a)(7) and 3.309(f). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues
Ionizing radiation (radiation-risk activities)
Covered: Leukemia, except chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Who qualifies: On-site participation in an atmospheric or underwater nuclear test; occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki (August 6, 1945 to July 1, 1946); POW internment in Japan with comparable exposure; 250 days or more at the Paducah, Portsmouth, or Oak Ridge K-25 gaseous diffusion plants before February 1, 1992; Amchitka Island test duty before 1974; Enewetak Atoll cleanup (1977 to 1980); the Palomares, Spain response (January 17, 1966 to March 31, 1967); or the Thule, Greenland response (January 21 to September 25, 1968).
38 CFR 3.309(d). Sources: 38 CFR 3.309; 38 CFR 3.311 (other radiogenic diseases, decided case by case); VA.gov: Ionizing radiation exposure
Chronic diseases that show up within a year of discharge
Covered: Leukemia.
Time limit: At least 10% disabling within 1 year of discharge.
Who qualifies: 90 days or more of continuous active service during a war period or after December 31, 1946, and the disease reached at least 10% disabling within 1 year of leaving service (3 years for tuberculosis and Hansen's disease, 7 years for multiple sclerosis).
38 CFR 3.307(a)(3) and 3.309(a). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B: Conditions of the auditory system
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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