The Board has found that additional development is required for the earlier effective date claims related to chronic lymphocystic leukemia (CLL) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The Veteran's CLL was granted service connection based on exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, but an earlier effective date is needed due to a regulatory change. The Board also notes that the grant of basic eligibility for DEA benefits is inextricably intertwined with the remanded issue of CLL.
The deciding factor: The effective date for service connection cannot be earlier than March 14, 2017, as it was based on a liberalizing VA regulation. The Board must now consider whether CLL can be established on a direct basis due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lymphocystic leukemia (CLL)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2023
- Citation
- 23050421
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 23050421.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Whole decision: Granted
Service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted. The appeal as to the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service due to noise exposure during his time in Vietnam.
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