The Board granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, determining that it was due to lymphatic leukemia, which is a variant of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The Board found that the veteran had received payments as a result of an Agent Orange class action suit and believed he had been exposed to Agent Orange while in Vietnam. The Board also noted that the cause of death on the veteran's death certificate was likely incorrect.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran's lymphatic leukemia, which is a variant of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), was due to exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.
- Claimed conditions
- lymphatic leukemia, chronic prostatitis with post-operative epididymectomy, post-operative hemorrhoidectomy
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 9, 2000
- Citation
- 0006391
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0006391.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee replacement, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee degenerative joint disease, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment. The Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the application to reopen a claim for service connection for lymphatic leukemia, as new and material evidence was not provided.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.