The Board denied service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) due to a lack of evidence showing the condition was related to active military service, specifically Agent Orange exposure in Japan. The Veteran's claim is based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents.
The deciding factor: There is no credible evidence that the Veteran's CLL had onset during or is otherwise related to his period of service, particularly given the lack of herbicide exposure records and the absence of a finding of exposure to herbicide agents in Okinawa.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 25, 2024
- Citation
- A24060478
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 A24060478.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a medical examination regarding the severity of his residuals from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including chronic fatigue. The initial compensable rating for CLL remains denied.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's supplemental claim for service connection for sleep apnea, CLL and CFS was granted. The appeal is based on new evidence that reopened the previously denied claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and renal cell carcinoma are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his exposure history.
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