The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death (congestive heart failure, generalized atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus) was not caused by or aggravated by service-connected disability. The veteran's anxiety disorder did not contribute substantially to his death.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence linking the veteran’s cardiovascular issues, diabetes, or atherosclerosis to his military service. His anxiety disorder alone could not be shown to have contributed substantially and materially to cause his death.
- Claimed conditions
- Congestive Heart Failure, Generalized Atherosclerosis, Diabetes Mellitus
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2003
- Citation
- 0335613
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 0335613.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 100 percent for CAD was granted effective November 28, 2023. The effective date is based on the date of a VA examination showing the increase in disability.
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The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
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