The Board found that the original grant of service connection for multiple myeloma was based on an incorrect plasma cell percentage, leading to a misdiagnosis. The correct diagnosis is now MUGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma, which are not subject to presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents. Therefore, the severance of service connection for multiple myeloma was proper.
The deciding factor: The original grant of service connection was based on an incorrect plasma cell percentage, leading to a misdiagnosis of multiple myeloma which is not subject to presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple Myeloma, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unerstanding Significance (MUGUS), Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19105969
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple myeloma, back disability (secondary to multiple myeloma), and depression, with an effective date of January 26, 2021. The decision also remanded claims related to breast cancer, DEA benefits, and initial ratings.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected multiple myeloma contributed substantially and materially to his death.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of September 5, 2023, for the award of service connection for multiple myeloma and MGUS but denied a compensable evaluation for hypertension.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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