The veteran's death was caused by acute myocardial infarction, which resulted from coronary artery disease. The Board notes that the immediate and ultimate causes of the veteran's death were identified as acute myocardial infarction due to or as a consequence of coronary artery thrombosis. Service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted, but eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C.A., Chapter 35 is denied.
The deciding factor: The Board found that service connection was established based on the immediate and ultimate causes of the veteran's death. However, the eligibility for DEA was not addressed due to lack of evidence or information provided by the appellant.
- Claimed conditions
- acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery thrombosis, ischemic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 10, 2003
- Citation
- 0331068
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 0331068.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and bilateral vision condition was dismissed. Service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a heart condition to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding whether the Veteran's current heart condition is related to service, including in-service treatment for hypertension.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding no evidence that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a new opinion regarding the Veteran's cause of death.
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