The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for chronic lymphocytic leukemia with thrombocytopenia and anemia associated with herbicide exposure is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of a rating greater than 10 percent for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease associated with herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The May 2020 VA examination was inadequate as it consisted of only an interview without conducting an METs testing that also measured an ejection fraction. The Veteran's leukemia is rated under the appropriate diagnostic codes and residuals are evaluated based on the severity of the disease at the time of the rating decision.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2022
- Citation
- A22020473
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 A22020473.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia has been dismissed because there is no valid June 2021 rating decision to appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's exposure to contaminants at Camp Pendleton and his current condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's cause of death (COPD and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) is not service-connected as there is no evidence showing the conditions had their onset during service or were related to any incident of service, including in-service asbestos exposure. The Board finds that smoking was not caused by his service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, CLL, NHL, Crohn's disease, Type II diabetes mellitus, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
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