The Board denied the claim for DIC benefits, finding that there was no service connection for esophageal cancer and noting that VA could not verify Vietnam service. The cause of death was attributed to cachexia-inanition due to or as a consequence of esophageal carcinoma.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence linking the veteran's death to service-connected conditions, nor did he have any service in the Republic of Vietnam during the relevant period for presumptive exposure to herbicides.
- Claimed conditions
- esophageal carcinoma, cachexia-inanition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 15, 2000
- Citation
- 0024669
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 0024669.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for Barrett's esophagitis, GERD, and esophageal carcinoma based on the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during active service in Vietnam.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits due to unresolved issues regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work. The case will be referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for consideration of whether a higher effective date is warranted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a VA opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's esophageal carcinoma was caused by his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for esophageal carcinoma and related conditions due to new evidence received, including VA examinations and treatment records. The TDIU claim is also being considered.
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