The Veteran's cause of death, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), is found to be related to herbicide agent exposure during service. Service-connected burial benefits are granted as an ancillary benefit due to the Veteran's combined disability rating at the time of his death. Accrued benefits are denied.
The deciding factor: The private opinion provided by the Veteran's treating physician established that the AML was highly likely related to herbicide agent exposure during service, resolving any doubts in favor of the appellant.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 7, 2024
- Citation
- A24023548
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 A24023548.
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 Veteran's service connection claim for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.
- Denied
The Veteran's cause of death was caused by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), which was service-connected. However, the effective date for DIC benefits is denied as it was received over a year after the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Veteran's AML is granted service connection effective January 10, 2025. His prior claims for service connection are denied and his dermatitis claim remains at a non-compensable rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that while the Veteran requires some help with daily activities, he does not meet the criteria for needing regular aid and attendance.
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