United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards

Agent Orange: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

VA recognizes veterans' chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) as associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service.

Learn more:

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common form of leukemia and is characterized by production of an excessive number of white blood cells.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and enlarged but painless lymph nodes. Or there may not be any symptoms.
  • Slower progression than other types of leukemia.
  • More common in men than women.

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Research on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Herbicides Used in Vietnam

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) focused on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in its 2002 Update on the Health Effects of Herbicides Used in Vietnam and concluded that there is sufficient evidence of an association between exposure to herbicides and CLL.

Read NAS Institute of Medicine Reports on Veterans and Agent Orange.*†

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VA Benefits for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Veterans with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for:

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Contact VA about Benefits

By Telephone

  • Toll-free Helpline: 1-800-749-8387
  • Health Care: 1-877-222-8387 (Ask to speak to the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate)
  • Disability Benefits and Other Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
  • TDD (for hearing impaired): 1-800-829-4833

In Person

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*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.
†VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked Web site.

 

Toll-free Helpline
1-800-749-8387