The veteran's cause of death, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was found to be related to his service-connected lumbosacral spine disorder. The need for regular aid and attendance due to the veteran's service-connected disabilities has not been established. However, the veteran is entitled to a TDIU for purpose of accrued benefits.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran's cause of death was related to his service-connected lumbosacral spine disorder, which could have been established at the time of his death. The need for regular aid and attendance due to the veteran's service-connected disabilities has not been demonstrated.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, Traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine, Chronic constipation, Neurogenic bladder, Lumbosacral spine disorder (paraparesis)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2007
- Citation
- 0703309
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 0703309.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for reducing his disability ratings for cervical spine conditions has been withdrawn by the Veteran's representative.
- Granted
The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine are granted as service connected due to continuity of symptoms since service.,The Veteran's skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, is granted as service connected based on presumed exposure to burn pits during his service in the Persian Gulf.
- Granted
The Veteran's neurogenic bladder condition is related to her service-connected back condition (lumbar sprain with thoracic spondylosis and scoliosis). Entitlement to service connection for neurogenic bladder, secondary to service-connected lumbar sprain with thoracic spondylosis and scoliosis, has been granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which was granted for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.