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VA recognizes veterans' multiple myeloma as associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service.
Learn more:
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are a specific kind of white blood cells found in bone marrow. It is called multiple myeloma, because the cancer is characterized by plasma cell tumors in bones in multiple parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms
- Often no symptoms until the disease progresses.
- Symptoms include bone pain, unexplained bone fractures, repeated infections, weakness or numbness in the legs, abnormal proteins in the blood or urine, anemia, fatigue, and high level of calcium in the blood.
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Research on Multiple Myeloma and Herbicides Used in Vietnam
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) concluded in its 1993 report on Veterans and Agent Orange – Health Effects of Herbicides Used in Vietnam and in 1996, 1998, 2002, and 2004 updates that there is limited/suggestive evidence of an association between exposure to the herbicides used in Vietnam and the development of multiple myeloma.
Read NAS Institute of Medicine Reports on Veterans and Agent Orange.*†
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VA Benefits for Multiple Myeloma
Veterans with multiple myeloma 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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More Information on Agent Orange
*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.
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