The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and entitlement to Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.
The deciding factor: The Board found that service connection for the cause of the veteran's death was not warranted due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the conditions contributing to his death. The veteran's prostate cancer, which was secondary to Agent Orange exposure, did not contribute substantially or materially to cause his death. The Board also determined that the veteran was not entitled to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as he was not in receipt of a total disability rating for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death.
- Claimed conditions
- Prostate cancer, Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 29, 2000
- Citation
- 0030964
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 0030964.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease is rated at 100% effective October 25, 2024. His prostate cancer residuals are rated at 60% effective October 25, 2024.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and prostate cancer are granted service connection, with the latter requiring a VA examination to address exposure to burn pits.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in the right ear has been denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss and thus, cannot establish a link to service. For prostate cancer, the Veteran's claim is remanded as VA did not provide an opinion regarding whether his condition may be related to service due to toxic exposure.
- Denied
The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals prior to January 5, 2026 are rated at 10 percent. From January 5, 2026, the Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for his prostate cancer residuals. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not compensable.
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