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 denied service connection for glaucoma and macular degeneration, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for non-allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and macular degeneration based on the evidence of record.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical strain, esophagus stricture, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and migraine headaches due to untimely notice of disagreement. The appeal for B-cell lymphoma was remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for grade 2 follicular lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, lethargy, and cold sensitivity in the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to further development of evidence regarding potential in-service asbestos exposure.
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