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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A24060478.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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