The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability and denied both the claim for service connection for cause of death and the claim for educational benefits under Chapter 35.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show any chronic conditions during or immediately after service, nor were there any service-connected disabilities at the time of death that contributed to the veteran's death.
- Claimed conditions
- bronchopneumonia, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure (arteriosclerotic heart disease), senile dementia
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2002
- Citation
- 0218576
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 0218576.
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 Board has remanded the claims of asthma, pulmonary edema, COPD, vascular disease, dementia, and gastroenteritis due to a lack of evidence regarding service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchopneumonia and frost bite on hands and feet are remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records and a need for a VA examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's adrenal gland tumor and enlarged node in breast are not service-connected as they did not develop during his active duty or are not related to an injury or disease incurred in service.,His hypertension is not service-connected as there is no evidence of its development during his active duty, reserve service, or secondary to a service-connected condition. The Veteran's assertion that it was due to exposure to diesel fuel in service is not supported by the record.,The Veteran's kidney disability, pulmonary edema, cerebrovascular accident, and Conn's disease are not service-connected as there is no evidence of their development during his active duty or reserve service periods.,His paralysis of the left lower extremity and paralysis of the left upper extremity are not service-connected as they did not develop during his active duty or are not related to an injury or disease incurred in service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and lack of addressing all relevant evidence. The Veteran is presumed Gulf War veteran, and his symptoms have persisted since service.
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.