The Board denied service connection for MDS, left leg above the knee amputation, and right leg above the knee amputation. The cause of death was determined to be myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which is not service-connected.,Service connection for the Veteran's cause of death was also denied as his service-connected coronary artery disease did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a direct relationship between the Veteran's service and any of the claimed conditions, nor is there sufficient evidence linking exposure to herbicide agents to these conditions.,The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.
- Claimed conditions
- myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), left leg above the knee amputation, right leg above the knee amputation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 9, 2022
- Citation
- 22033894
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 22033894.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) due to presumed exposure to environmental hazards during military service, specifically burn pits. The Veteran's MDS is considered presumptively related to his Gulf War service.
- Granted
Service connection for MDS is granted, and a higher initial disability rating of 40 percent for the service-connected back disability is also granted. Other issues on appeal are resolved in favor of the appellant.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and thus service connection for MDS is granted.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.