The veteran died from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which was not service-connected. His low back condition did not contribute to his death and he had a total disability rating for over 10 years prior to death.
The deciding factor: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was not service-connected and the veteran's low back condition did not play a role in his death.
- Claimed conditions
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Low Back Condition (Degenerative Disc Disease)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- September 8, 2003
- Citation
- 0323026
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 0323026.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Board denied the motion for reversal or revision of a February 2015 rating decision on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) and dismissed the motion for reversal or revision of a January 2014 rating decision on the same grounds.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma as the evidence did not show a relationship between the condition and the Veteran's active service, including exposure to fuel and chemicals.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a condition presumed to be related to herbicide exposure. The claims for accrued benefits and survivor's pension were denied.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for MDD was granted, but the increased rating for left foot fracture and service connection for hip conditions were denied or remanded. The claim for TDIU was also remanded.
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