The Board has granted service connection for B-cell lymphoma associated with BALT (Bronchial Associated Lymphoid Tissue) due to ionizing radiation exposure, but denied service connection for macular degeneration due to non-ionizing radiation exposure.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's B-cell lymphoma was incurred in service and the Board found that he had been exposed to ionizing radiation. The medical evidence did not support a finding of direct causation for macular degeneration, but also did not rule out any potential connection based on the available evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- macular degeneration, B-cell lymphoma
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18143257
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 18143257.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board has denied the claim for service connection for macular degeneration due to a finding of clear and unmistakable error in the AOJ's decision, as no new and relevant evidence was presented or secured with the supplemental claim.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for B-cell lymphoma, left and right lower extremity small fiber sensory neuropathy, and left hip fracture residuals are granted. The TDIU claim is also remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for seizure disorder and macular degeneration due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ must obtain a TERA Memorandum and medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran was exposed to chemicals or solvents while stationed at Fort McClellan during his service, and if so, whether these exposures are related to his claimed conditions.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection and ratings related to various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, foot fungus, macular degeneration, and sleep apnea has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.