Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The veteran's death during service was not due to his own willful misconduct, and the appellant is entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

The deciding factor: The Board found that a preponderance of evidence did not establish that the veteran's accidental death was caused by his own willful misconduct.

Claimed conditions
Accumulation of mucinous fluid in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, Positional asphyxia
How they argued it
Not specified
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
November 7, 2002
Citation
0215928

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 0215928.

What this means for you

A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.

What you can do next

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.