The Veteran's death was due to acute lymphocytic leukemia, with severe thrombocytopenia as a contributing cause. The Board found the evidence in equipoise and granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death based on presumed exposure to herbicides.
The deciding factor: The presumptions of herbicide exposure apply due to the Veteran's time spent near the perimeter fences and flight line activities, which are consistent with areas known to have been exposed to herbicides.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Severe thrombocytopenia
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2015
- Citation
- 1526110
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1526110.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for acute lymphocytic leukemia is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during service, as provided by the PACT Act.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for acute lymphocytic leukemia due to insufficient evidence in the VA opinions and a need for an addendum opinion from a qualified clinician.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for acute lymphocytic leukemia due to insufficient evidence in the VA opinions and a need for an addendum opinion from a qualified clinician.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim to recognize his daughter as a dependent due to her permanent incapacity for self-support prior to turning 18 is being remanded. The VA needs more information about the child's condition during high school and any special education or treatment records.
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