The Board granted service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) based on a direct link to in-service exposure to toxic substances, including burn pits.
The deciding factor: The private opinion from Dr. W.B.F., which was supported by submitted medical literature indicating a significant positive association between cumulative airborne dioxin exposure and CLL risk, carried more probative weight than the VA opinions.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- April 8, 2025
- Citation
- A25032553
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 an earlier effective date of April 5, 2011, for the grant of service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and an initial rating of 100 percent from that date to April 26, 2013.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) based on the Veteran's participation in toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia to correct duty to assist errors that occurred prior to the August 2024 rating decision.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
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.