The Board has determined that the veteran's cause of death, caused by splenic rupture due to or a consequence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), was substantially related to his service-connected radiation exposure. Additionally, as the veteran's death is service-connected, he qualifies for dependents' educational assistance under Chapter 35 of Title 38 of the United States Code.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's CLL and its treatment residuals were presumptively service-connected due to his radiation exposure during service. As a result, the cause of death was determined to be substantially related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin's Disease
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Ionizing radiation
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 10, 2006
- Citation
- 0606975
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 Board granted an initial 100 percent rating for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) from October 14, 2024.
- Granted
The Board granted the restoration of a 100 percent rating for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) effective January 1, 2025, as the reduction in the disability rating was improper.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) based on the nexus between the Veteran's condition and in-service radiation exposure.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left thigh muscle condition, left thigh scar from shrapnel, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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