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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1230021.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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