The Board found that the cause of death was hemorrhage, with esophageal varicosities and cirrhosis of the liver as sequential causes. The evidence did not support presumptive service connection for cirrhosis due to its onset occurring over two decades after discharge. Service connection based on herbicide exposure (Agent Orange) was also denied.
The deciding factor: Cirrhosis of the liver, a condition attributed to cause of death, was not shown to have been present within one year of discharge and is not considered presumptively service-connected due to its onset occurring over two decades after discharge. The evidence did not support service connection based on herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).
- Claimed conditions
- hemorrhage, ruptured esophageal varicosities, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis C
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 10, 2005
- Citation
- 0506988
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 0506988.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver has been dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.
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