The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected progressive small lymphocytic lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which were linked to his exposure to hazardous materials at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station during service. As a result, the claim for DIC benefits is granted.
The deciding factor: The VA physician provided an opinion linking the Veteran's cause of death (progressive small lymphocytic lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia) to his in-service exposure to hazardous materials at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station during service. This exposure was linked to Agent Orange contamination, which is considered a presumptive condition for Vietnam-era veterans.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory insufficiency, progressive small lymphocytic lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), chronic kidney disease, chronic anemia, diabetes, hemiparesis, arthritis aneurysm by history
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2010
- Citation
- 1017816
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1017816.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the appellant withdrew their request for a hearing and to continue with the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic kidney disease, effective January 30, 1998. The decision is based on newly associated service treatment records that were not previously considered in the original denial of the claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a medical examination regarding the severity of his residuals from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including chronic fatigue. The initial compensable rating for CLL remains denied.
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