The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to sepsis, attributed to decubitus ulcers on the veteran's heel. The Board found that diabetes mellitus and renal failure contributed significantly but service-connected varicose veins did not play a substantial role in causing or contributing to the veteran's death.
The deciding factor: The VA specialist concluded that varicose veins were not a significant contributor to the ischemic ulcer on the veteran's heel, which was the most likely source of sepsis and subsequent death.
- Claimed conditions
- Sepsis, Decubitus ulcer (heel), Diabetes mellitus, Renal failure
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 31, 2001
- Citation
- 0115189
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 0115189.
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 Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding no evidence that his death was related to any injury or disease in service, including exposure to herbicide agents.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a back disability, and remanded claims for respiratory condition, cataracts, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.
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