The VA determined that the veteran's leukopenia, thrombocytopenia with history of myelodysplastic syndrome did not meet criteria for a higher rating than 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show objective manifestations warranting a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- leukopenia, thrombocytopenia with history of myelodysplastic syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2000
- Citation
- 0029977
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0029977.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a blood/bone marrow disorder, including myelodysplastic syndrome, leukopenia, and neutropenia, is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board acknowledges that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's leukopenia has not required continuous medication for control or intermittent use of a myeloid growth factor to maintain ANC greater than or equal to 1500/l, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for meningitis and leukopenia due to a procedural due process violation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for leukopenia and prostatic hypertrophy due to additional development needed, including obtaining outstanding private treatment records and addendum opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the conditions.
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.