The Veteran's death was caused by his acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), which the Board finds is related to his exposure to herbicide agents during service. The claim for service connection for AML is granted. However, the appellant does not qualify for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 as she did not meet the criteria of continuous total disability rating prior to death.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence established that the Veteran's AML was related to his exposure to herbicide agents during service, and after resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant, the Board found direct service connection for AML. However, as the appellant did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318, her claim is denied.
- Claimed conditions
- AML, respiratory insufficiency
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18100662
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 18100662.
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.
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The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory insufficiency, and irritable bowel syndrome due to untimely filing.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and analysis regarding his service-connected migraines, IBS, respiratory insufficiency, and bilateral hand tremors.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding that they are attributable to his time in service and supported by medical opinions. The PACT Act presumption applies.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is granted with a 10 percent rating, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.,Service connection for CFS, sinusitis, respiratory insufficiency, and restless leg syndrome of both lower extremities are granted.
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