The Veteran's hematological disability, characterized as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), is found to be related to his in-service exposure to benzene. Service connection for MDS is granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran’s MDS is caused by in-service exposure to benzene, which was used as a cleaning agent and dry-cleaning solvent during service.
- Claimed conditions
- myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20065120
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal for a new VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's MDS and potential AML and b-cell leukemia due to inadequacies in previous opinions.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), to include anaplastic anemia, due to toxic exposure at Fort McClellan.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome based on the Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as it was not shown to be related to the Veteran's service or any toxic exposure.
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