Veterans Appeals Court Reverses Denial of Benefits in Benzene-Related Case

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- An appellate court has reversed the denial of claims to the widow of U.S. soldier whose chronic myelogenous leukemia was allegedly caused by exposure to benzene in Agent Orange. Hupp v. Eric K. Shinseki, No. 10-3143 (U.S. Ct. App., Veterans Claims).

In the April 24 opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims opined that the Veterans Board did not give adequate reasons for the denial of benefits.

The plaintiff asserted the claims on behalf of Billy C. Hupp, who was allegedly exposed to benzene-containing Agent Orange during the course of his service in the …