The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left leg disability did not cause or contribute to his death from pulmonary tuberculosis. The VA physician and the death certificate concluded that the veteran's overall health issues, particularly his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were more significant in causing his death.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected left leg disability did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from pulmonary tuberculosis due to the progression of his COPD and other respiratory conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- pulmonary tuberculosis, left leg limitation with fracture and arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- November 20, 2002
- Citation
- 0216682
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 0216682.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's tuberculosis is denied as there is no evidence of a current active disease and the Board finds that it is not related to service.,The Veteran's back disorder, including severe scoliosis, IVDS with DDD, spinal stenosis, and fusion, is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during service or whether it was aggravated by service.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis, including on an accrued benefits basis, is dismissed due to the appellant's death.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding that his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis was at least as likely as not a contributory cause of his death.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than January 28, 2014 for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis.
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.