Agent Orange Exposure Tied to CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)

WASHINGTON – Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, is now officially on the list of diseases for which Vietnam War veterans can receive free-of-charge health care and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. American Legion National Commander John Brieden praised VA’s publishing of a final rule Thursday in the Federal Register that codifies VA Secretary Anthony Principi’s January announcement that the government will extend benefits to Vietnam veterans suffering from CLL.

“The Institute of Medicine found a link between CLL and exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange, and that finding … is a sound basis on which to award just compensation and VA health care to Vietnam veterans suffering from the disease,” Brieden said. “Secretary Principi did the right thing by deciding to award these benefits.

“The government still must carry out a large-scale study of the health and herbicide exposures of Vietnam veterans. The American Legion and Columbia University broke ground with a joint study conducted in the 1980s and a recent follow-up study. But the government must plan and fund a more comprehensive study because, obviously, the health of many Vietnam veterans shows the long-lasting effects of their wartime experiences. Certain veterans’ illnesses are related to exposure to Agent Orange or to some other hazardous conditions of battle. By doing a study, the government can determine what exactly is making them sick and grant them long-overdue health care and disability compensation.”

Veterans seeking more information about how to obtain benefits under this regulation may call (800) 433-3318.