The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of CLL was denied as the change in law took effect on March 14, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for DEA benefits was also denied because he did not meet the eligibility criteria prior to March 14, 2017.
The deciding factor: The effective dates are precluded by law as they precede the effective date of the change in law (March 14, 2017) for both service connection and DEA benefits.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 8, 2019
- Citation
- 19161731
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 19161731.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial 100 percent rating for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) from October 14, 2024.
- Granted
The Board granted the restoration of a 100 percent rating for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) effective January 1, 2025, as the reduction in the disability rating was improper.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) based on the nexus between the Veteran's condition and in-service radiation exposure.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) as there was no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents in service and the Veteran's current CLL is not related to any event or injury during his military service.
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.