The veteran's cause of death was attributed to methicillin-resistant staphylococcus infection of the respiratory tract and decubitus ulcer, both related to his service-connected COPD. The Board found that these conditions were not caused by or aggravated by any service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The VA medical records indicate that the veteran's death was due to severe COPD, which was exacerbated by MRSA infection and decubitus ulcers. None of these conditions are shown to be related to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection of the respiratory tract, Decubitus ulcer (pressure sore), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2003
- Citation
- 0334750
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 0334750.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as the Board found that he is already in receipt of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure. A second award of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance was not warranted.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there is no competent evidence linking any principal or contributory cause of his death to his service.
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