The Board has granted service connection for myelodysplasia and pancytopenia, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides.
The deciding factor: The March 2011 VA expert opinion found it 'at least as likely as not' that the Veteran's myelodysplasia and pancytopenia had their onset during active service, given the evidence of a causal link between Agent Orange exposure and hematologic malignancies.
- Claimed conditions
- myelodysplasia, pancytopenia
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 11, 2011
- Citation
- 1118110
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 1118110.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents and other environmental hazards during service, as well as a need for a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) memorandum and opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for pancytopenia and radiation induced anemia due to a need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's current diagnosis of pancytopenia, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), is due to his exposure to herbicide agents in service. The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's pancytopenia based on this exposure.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's death was attributed to his service-connected coronary artery disease, which is presumed related to herbicide agent exposure.
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