The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for microcytic hypochromic anemia, secondary to Agent Orange exposure, finding that the condition did not manifest during or within a presumptive period after service and was not otherwise etiologically related to service.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence showed that microcytic hypochromic anemia is a congenital hereditary disease (beta thalassemia trait) that did not first manifest during service, or progress at an abnormally high rate during service; nor did it manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; and was not otherwise etiologically related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- microcytic hypochromic anemia
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21015470
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21015470.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's microcytic hypochromic anemia was aggravated by service, including presumed herbicide exposure. The case must be returned for further development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to assess her service-connected disabilities. The issue of TDIU will also be addressed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for anemia, including as secondary to gynecological disorders and/or a hysterectomy, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her service treatment records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, allergic rhinitis, and microcytic hypochromic anemia were granted. The initial evaluations for these conditions are as follows: lumbosacral strain at 20%, allergic rhinitis at 10%, and microcytic hypochromic anemia is rated compensable.
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