Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 7715)
Diagnostic Code 7715 · 38 CFR §4.117
What Is It?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system — the network of vessels, nodes, and organs that helps your body fight infection. Symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and abdominal pain or swelling. NHL is particularly significant for veterans because it is a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure (Vietnam-era veterans), certain radiation-exposed veterans, and Camp Lejeune water contamination veterans. This means if you served in a qualifying location and develop NHL, the VA presumes it was caused by your service — no nexus opinion needed. During active disease and treatment, the VA assigns a 100% rating. After treatment, the rating is based on residual effects.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active non-Hodgkin lymphoma or ongoing treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy). This 100% rating remains in place for the duration of active treatment and continues for six months after treatment ends, when the VA re-evaluates. |
| 60% | After treatment, if you have significant residual effects — chronic fatigue, immune suppression, organ damage from treatment, or frequent infections — that substantially limit your ability to work and function. |
| 30% | Post-treatment residuals including moderate fatigue, reduced stamina, or minor organ effects that limit some activities but allow generally functional daily living. |
| 10% | Minimal residual effects after successful treatment — some lingering fatigue or periodic follow-up needs, but largely able to function normally. |
| 0% | Complete remission with no residual symptoms or functional limitations. |
Evidence Needed
A biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is required. For presumptive service connection, you need evidence of qualifying service (Vietnam service for Agent Orange, radiation-risk activities, Camp Lejeune service). The VA will verify qualifying service through your DD-214 and service records. Oncology treatment records documenting the type of lymphoma, treatment received, and current status are essential. If claiming residual effects after treatment, document ongoing symptoms with medical records and lay statements. Lab work showing immune function, blood counts, and imaging confirming remission or progression rounds out the evidence.
C&P Exam Tips
If you are still undergoing treatment, the exam is primarily to confirm the active diagnosis — a 100% rating should be straightforward. If you are post-treatment, the exam focuses on residual effects. Be thorough in describing any lasting consequences of the cancer or its treatment: fatigue, neuropathy from chemotherapy, weakened immunity leading to frequent infections, cognitive changes (chemo brain), or psychological impact. If treatment caused damage to specific organs (heart, lungs, kidneys), those may warrant separate ratings in addition to the lymphoma rating. Do not downplay lingering effects — many cancer survivors underestimate the lasting impact of treatment.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ. For presumptive conditions, identify your qualifying service (Vietnam service dates, radiation exposure records, or Camp Lejeune service). Submit the pathology report confirming NHL, treatment records, and current oncology status. For presumptive claims, you do not need a nexus opinion — the VA accepts the connection based on qualifying service. If not eligible for presumptive connection, you need a medical nexus opinion linking NHL to a specific in-service exposure.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is not knowing about presumptive service connection. Veterans who served in Vietnam, were exposed to radiation, or were stationed at Camp Lejeune may not realize that NHL is automatically presumed to be service-connected. Another mistake is accepting a reduced rating after treatment without claiming all residual conditions. Chemotherapy and radiation cause lasting effects — neuropathy, cognitive changes, immune suppression, fatigue — and each may deserve its own secondary rating. Veterans should also request a re-evaluation only when stable, not while still experiencing treatment side effects that may improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is non-Hodgkin lymphoma a presumptive condition?
Yes, for certain groups of veterans. NHL is presumptively connected to Agent Orange exposure (Vietnam, Thailand, and other qualifying locations), ionizing radiation exposure, and Camp Lejeune water contamination. If you served in any of these contexts, the VA presumes your NHL was caused by service — you do not need a separate nexus opinion.
What happens to my rating after cancer treatment ends?
The 100% rating continues for six months after your last treatment. Then the VA schedules a re-evaluation to assess residual effects. Your new rating will be based on any lingering symptoms and functional limitations. If you have significant residuals, you can still receive a substantial rating.
Can I claim secondary conditions from chemotherapy?
Yes. Chemotherapy and radiation cause well-documented side effects that can become chronic: peripheral neuropathy, heart damage, lung scarring, cognitive impairment, and immune suppression. Each of these can be claimed as secondary to your service-connected cancer.