The Veteran's service-connected chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other disabilities did not result in a combined rating of at least 100% for a continuous period of eight years immediately preceding his death, thus denying the claim for enhanced DIC benefits.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's total disability rating was only effective from December 22, 2016, which is less than eight years before his death in December 2024.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia, cystic acne of the neck, residual scar of pilonidal cystectomy, chronic fungal infection of the bilateral hands, bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- March 27, 2026
- Citation
- A26028066
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 A26028066.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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