The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (AML) is dismissed. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) from July 6, 2015 is granted. An effective date of July 6, 2015, but no earlier, for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance based on permanent and total disability status is granted. A special monthly compensation (SMC) at the statutory housebound rate from July 6, 2015 is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (AML) and associated residuals rendered him unable to work since July 6, 2015. The TDIU was granted effective July 6, 2015, which also met the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (AML), Chronic Kidney Disease, Left Lower Extremity Polyneuropathy, Sciatic, Right Lower Extremity Polyneuropathy, Sciatic, Left Hip Fracture Residuals with Osteoporosis, Avascular Necrosis, Flexion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26020254
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 A26020254.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
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 initial evaluations for chronic kidney disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD and Chronic Kidney Disease ratings have been restored to their previous levels of 70% and 30%, respectively, due to the failure to conduct necessary VA examinations in November 2019.
- Granted
The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is granted with an effective date of August 10, 2022. The appeal for PTSD and hypertension remains denied.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for chronic kidney disease as a complication of hypertension, finding that the issue was not within the scope of the Veteran's initial claim and there was no evidence suggesting a relationship between hypertension and chronic kidney disease until the September 2025 application.
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