The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a blood disorder manifested by low white blood cell count and low platelet count, finding that it was not incurred in or related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there is no evidence of record linking the Veteran's blood disorder to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The opinions provided by VA and private physicians did not support a link between the Veteran's condition and his military service or herbicide agent exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- blood disorder manifested by a low white blood cell count and low platelet count
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21030012
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 21030012.
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 evidence regarding whether the Veteran's blood disorder is related to his service, specifically his presumed herbicide agent exposure. Additional development is needed including obtaining authorization for records from UNM Cancer Hospital and providing a new VA medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Whole decision: Granted
Service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted. The appeal as to the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
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