The Board has determined that the Veteran's essential thrombocythemia is at least as likely as not related to his service, including exposure to benzene and other solvents during his time in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran was exposed to benzene and other solvents during service, which he testified were associated with his current diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia.
- Claimed conditions
- essential thrombocythemia, chronic myeloproliferative disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19107475
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for essential thrombocythemia, finding that the evidence submitted since the previous denial was new and relevant, establishing a current diagnosis and an etiological link to the Veteran's active service, particularly including presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for essential thrombocythemia, finding that the condition is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange. The decision is based on medical opinions and the presumption of exposure.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for further development to determine if there has been any aggravation of chronic myeloproliferative disorder as a result of malaria or residuals thereof.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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