The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable evaluation of his scar, residual of back surgery is dismissed. Service connection for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is granted. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected thoracic degenerative disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains pending.
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the scar, residual of back surgery issue prior to the Board's decision being issued.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2018
- Citation
- 18141178
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 18141178.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia has been dismissed because there is no valid June 2021 rating decision to appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's exposure to contaminants at Camp Pendleton and his current condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant medical records, including SSA disability records and Federal prison medical records, and request an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, CLL, NHL, Crohn's disease, Type II diabetes mellitus, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
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