The Board denied service connection for MSA based on exposure to Benzene at Camp Lejeune and Persian Gulf War service, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these exposures and the Veteran's condition. The need for SMC based on aid and attendance was also denied as it is due to non-service connected progression of MSA.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with MSA since 2008, but there is no direct service connection found. Exposure to Benzene at Camp Lejeune during his active duty from June 1978 to January 1979 was considered, but the Board concluded that it did not cause or aggravate the Veteran's condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for MSA based on exposure to Benzene at Camp Lejeune and Persian Gulf War service.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2018
- Citation
- 1801482
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 1801482.
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 Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is determined to be related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service, and the claim for service connection is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) to obtain additional medical opinions addressing their etiology, including whether they are related to in-service toxic exposures.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for Parkinsonism, including Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), associated with herbicide exposure is granted. The Board found that the Veteran had presumed in-service herbicide exposure and service connection is warranted on a presumptive basis.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's MSA and autonomic neuropathy are granted as secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI). He is also granted special monthly compensation for aid and attendance.
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