The Veteran's death was caused by acute myeloid leukemia, which is presumed to have been caused by exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. Service connection for AML is granted. The Veteran's right eye choroidal melanoma, loss of sight and renal failure are not service-connected as they were not related to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinion linked the Veteran’s death from acute myeloid leukemia to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The right eye choroidal melanoma, loss of sight and renal failure are not associated with herbicide exposure as they were not present during service or within one year following discharge.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Choroidal Melanoma (right eye), Loss of Sight (right eye), Renal Failure
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20019784
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 20019784.
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's service connection claim for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.
- Denied
The Veteran's cause of death was caused by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), which was service-connected. However, the effective date for DIC benefits is denied as it was received over a year after the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Veteran's AML is granted service connection effective January 10, 2025. His prior claims for service connection are denied and his dermatitis claim remains at a non-compensable rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that while the Veteran requires some help with daily activities, he does not meet the criteria for needing regular aid and attendance.
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