The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia, which were presumed to be related to his Vietnam service. The July 2016 rating decision denying DIC benefits is reversed due to clear and unmistakable error in applying the law.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities (myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia) which were presumed to be related to his Vietnam service exposure. The July 2016 rating decision incorrectly applied the law regarding presumptive service connection for Agent Orange-exposed veterans.
- Claimed conditions
- Myelofibrosis, Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 22, 2022
- Citation
- 22036047
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 22036047.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 incomplete service personnel records, which may affect the Veteran's cause of death claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for acute myeloid leukemia is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ needs to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's AML, including its relationship to in-service herbicide exposure.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran was a radiation-exposed veteran, which allows for presumptive service connection for leukemia. As such, the cause of death is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and (r)(1) based on his need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.
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