The claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death has been reopened, but the Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct or presumptive link between the Veteran's myelodysplasia and his military service. The issue of service connection for myelodysplasia remains remanded as well.
The deciding factor: The claim was previously denied due to lack of evidence linking the cause of death (myelodysplasia) to service, but new evidence has been submitted suggesting a possible link through exposure to herbicide agents. However, further examination is needed to clarify the etiology and determine if there is any direct or presumptive connection.
- Claimed conditions
- myelodysplasia, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 24, 2022
- Citation
- 22030596
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 22030596.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
The Board denied service connection for asthma, COPD, pancreatitis, stroke, and left arm weakness (claimed as secondary to stroke) based on the presumption of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or due to in-service exposure.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking readjudication of the previously denied claim for PTSD and multiple other conditions is dismissed due to a procedural defect. The Veteran's authorized representative at the time the appeal was submitted did not have the authority to file the appeal.
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