The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and his in-service herbicide exposure. The examiner is asked to determine if AML or its residuals are related to service, specifically considering the presumptive provisions of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional development is necessary due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and his in-service herbicide exposure, specifically considering the presumptive provisions of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20050009
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 20050009.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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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