The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome with anemia, finding no evidence linking it to his military service or exposure to herbicides. The cause of death was attributed to respiratory failure due to blood cancer.
The deciding factor: There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's myelodysplastic syndrome and his military service or exposure to herbicides.
- Claimed conditions
- myelodysplastic syndrome with anemia
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 15, 2013
- Citation
- 1305526
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 1305526.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further adjudication of his claims, including the propriety of reducing his disability rating from 100 percent to 40 percent.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome with anemia and leukemia was denied. However, the cause of death due to acute myelogenous leukemia was granted based on exposure to contaminated water at Beale Air Force Base.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The case is being remanded to determine if the Veteran was exposed to ionizing radiation during service, which could potentially affect his claim for accrued benefits and the cause of death.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered a supplemental opinion from Dr. C.L.S. to clarify whether the Veteran's COPD was caused or aggravated by service-connected disability, and if so, whether it contributed to his death.
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.