The Board has granted service connection for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on a direct basis, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the condition was caused by exposure to burn pits during active service. The PACT Act now presumes this type of lymphoma can be linked to such exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board found the evidence balanced and supported by the recently enacted PACT Act, which added diffuse large B-cell lymphoma to the list of conditions presumed related to exposure to burn pits in Southwest Asia.
- Claimed conditions
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23019093
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 23019093.
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 CLL, B-cell leukemia, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on a presumptive basis due to in-service herbicide exposure. The Veteran served within the territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding VA treatment records.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and hypertension were presumptively related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents due to his service in Vietnam.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial compensable rating for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
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.