The Board found that the Veteran's AML, GVHD, depression, and cataracts are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service or exposure to herbicide agents.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not establish a link between the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents and his AML, nor did it provide sufficient evidence to support a finding that any of the claimed conditions were caused by his AML treatment (including bone marrow transplant).
- Claimed conditions
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Graft Versus Host Disease of the Lower Extremities, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (depression), Cataracts
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 31, 2017
- Citation
- 1719129
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 1719129.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's primary open angle glaucoma with cataracts, as well as a determination of whether he has a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA compensation purposes. The case is being remanded to allow for these determinations.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. After considering all evidence and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant, service connection for AML due to herbicide exposure is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current eye disabilities are related to service or preexisted with no superimposed injury during service. The VA must obtain a supplemental opinion from an appropriately qualified examiner.
- Granted
The Veteran's cataracts are rated at a 10 percent rating, and he is granted a separate 20 percent rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction. The decision also notes that the Veteran has not had any incapacitating episodes in the past year.
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