The Veteran's death was caused by a service-connected disability, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), which the Board found to be related to in-service benzene exposure. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence established that the Veteran's service-connected APL was as likely as not related to his in-service benzene exposure, leading to his death from intracranial bleeding due to APL.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 30, 2010
- Citation
- 1032602
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 1032602.
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
Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was granted, as it was related to herbicide exposure during service.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) is not causally related to his military service, including exposure to chemicals and benzene. The claim for service connection is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's APL and his in-service exposure to benzene. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
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.