The Veteran's lymphoma, presumed to be due to herbicide agent exposure during service in Thailand, is considered the principal or contributory cause of his death. The Board granted service connection for cause of death.
The deciding factor: The Veteran had a diagnosis of lymphoma at the time of his death and was exposed to herbicide agents while stationed near the perimeter of Takhli RTAFB in Thailand.
- Claimed conditions
- Lymphoma
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19158180
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 19158180.
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 Veteran has been evaluated at a 100% disability rating since April 14, 2024. The Board finds the criteria for eligibility to enroll in PCAFC have been met due to his need for personal care services for six continuous months based on his lymphoma and related conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eligibility for the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) was remanded due to inadequate medical opinion and insufficient notice. The Board found that the Veteran required personal care services due to his chronic conditions, including lymphoma, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, and decreased mobility.
- Denied
The Veteran's cause of death was listed as emphysema, but the Board found no causal connection to service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the initial decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits was not properly notified and requires a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran needs personal care services based on his conditions.
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