The Veteran's cause of death was sepsis due to pancytopenia and chemotherapy for MDS, which the Board found service-connected based on exposure to herbicide agents. DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were denied as the Veteran did not meet the durational requirements.
The deciding factor: The pathologist's opinion established a causal relationship between the Veteran's MDS and AML, which developed into sepsis due to chemotherapy, and exposure to herbicide agents, specifically dioxins from Agent Orange compounds.
- Claimed conditions
- myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 14, 2023
- Citation
- 23009428
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 23009428.
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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