The Board granted service connection for Hodgkin's lymphoma and secondary service connection for acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and subcutaneous pleural fistula referrable to right thorax as a result of the Veteran's presumed exposure to toxins during service at Camp Lejeune.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's current conditions are directly related to his presumed exposure to contaminants while serving at Camp Lejeune and are proximately due to his now-service-connected Hodgkin's lymphoma disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Hodgkin's lymphoma, Acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease (secondary to Hodgkin's lymphoma), Subcutaneous pleural fistula referrable to right thorax, as well as construction of muscle flap to seal a subcutaneous pleural fistula referrable to right thorax (secondary to Hodgkin's lymphoma)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2024
- Citation
- 24001523
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 granted service connection for Hodgkin's lymphoma, finding that the Veteran was exposed to commercial herbicides and pesticides during her service on Galeta Island in Panama, which contributed to her development of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for PTSD, asthma disorder, and Hodgkin's lymphoma to correct a pre-decisional error of the duty to assist.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date and a compensable rating for Hodgkin's lymphoma, as the Veteran’s condition has not been actively treated since 2020.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for Hodgkin's lymphoma, hypertension, and Type II diabetes mellitus associated with herbicide agent exposure.
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.