The Board found that the Veteran's blood disorder, including leukocytosis and polycythemia, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service. The claim was denied as there was no credible evidence supporting a connection between the Veteran's current condition and exposure to herbicides or other chemicals during service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's blood disorder and in-service chemical exposures, and the Board found that smoking was more likely the cause of his leukocytosis and polycythemia.
- Claimed conditions
- blood disorder, leukocytosis, polycythemia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 30, 2012
- Citation
- 1230021
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 1230021.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines (headaches) is granted. The claim for service connection for polycythemia and sleep apnea is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's polycythemia requires phlebotomy six or more times during a 12 month period, and thus an initial evaluation of 60 percent is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for eczema, as secondary to his service-connected polycythemia, needs further examination and opinion. The case is therefore REMANDED.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukocytosis is granted. The Board finds the evidence in balance, granting the benefit of doubt to the Veteran.,For his spine disability, the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent is denied as there is no evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or incapacitating episodes in the past year.
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