The Veteran's cause of death, which included myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), is found to be related to his service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether MDS was caused by Agent Orange exposure and grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.
The deciding factor: The medical opinions are in equipoise, with one opinion finding a causal link between MDS and Agent Orange exposure while another concludes it is less likely than not related. The Board finds this evidence sufficient to grant service connection based on direct service connection due to the conflicting opinions.
- Claimed conditions
- myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22062100
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 22062100.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.
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