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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18100662.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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