The Veteran's cause of death was listed as cardiopulmonary arrest and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The Board found that the conditions were not etiologically related to his service, including any exposure claims.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's cause of death was less likely than not due to exposures during his time at Johnston Atoll, as the dose estimates fell below average yearly domestic exposure levels and there is no evidence of herbicide or identified chemical exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- cardiopulmonary arrest, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the face
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 11, 2021
- Citation
- 21042039
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 21042039.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not establish that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's death was linked to his service, including exposure to Agent Orange.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's causes of death were not found to be service-connected, as there was no credible evidence linking the conditions to his military service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death during the appeal process.
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