VA presumes Veterans' multiple myeloma is related to their exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Veterans exposed to herbicides do not have to prove a connection between their multiple myeloma and military service to be eligible to receive VA benefits.
Learn more:
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer caused by an overproduction of certain proteins from white blood cells. It is called multiple myeloma, because it 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
Visit Medline Plus* to learn more about treatment of multiple myeloma, the latest research and more from the National Institutes of Health.
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Research on Multiple Myeloma and Herbicides Used in Vietnam
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences concluded in its 1994 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.
View more research on health effects of 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 disability compensation and health care benefits.
Veterans who served in Vietnam or another area where Agent Orange was sprayed may be eligible for an Agent Orange Registry health exam, a free, comprehensive examination.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to herbicides during military service and died as the result of multiple myeloma may be eligible for survivors' benefits.
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Contact VA about Benefits
By Telephone
- Toll-free Helpline: 1-800-749-8387 Press 3
- Agent Orange Registry Health Exam: Call your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator
- Health Care: 1-877-222-8387
- Compensation and Other Non-Health Care 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.
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