The Board determined that the veteran's cause of death (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, T/C Koch's infection, and probable lung cancer) was not service-connected. The appellant is also denied basic eligibility for VA non-service connected death pension benefits due to lack of qualifying service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish a direct link between the veteran's service and his cause of death (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, T/C Koch's infection, and probable lung cancer). The appellant was also found ineligible for VA death pension benefits as her spouse had no recognized military service.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, T/C Koch's infection, probable lung cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 14, 2005
- Citation
- 0507378
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 0507378.
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Related decisions
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The Veteran's emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other spontaneous pneumothorax status post thoracotomy is rated as 100% disabling since February 28, 2024. His major depressive disorder is separately rated at 70%. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement (NOD). The appeal is also dismissed as there was no good cause shown for the late filing.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning the service connection for various conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
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