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Whole decision: Granted

The Board has determined that the appellant is the surviving spouse of the veteran for the purpose of entitlement to VA benefits.

The deciding factor: The evidence presented, particularly the credible testimony provided by the appellant and her sons, established that the veteran was responsible for the separation and continued lack of cohabitation, and that the appellant was without fault.

Claimed conditions
Not specified in this decision
How they argued it
Not specified
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
June 17, 2003
Citation
0313016

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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0313016.

What this means for you

A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

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