Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service.,The appellant is not entitled to recognition as the 'helpless child' of the Veteran due to lack of evidence showing permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining age 18.

The deciding factor: There is no medical evidence or competent opinion linking the cause of death (stab wound) to service. The Veteran's fatal injury occurred outside of his active duty period and there is no indication that any disability was incurred in service.,The appellant has not provided sufficient evidence showing she was permanently incapable of self-support prior to age 18.

Claimed conditions
Not specified in this decision
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
January 14, 2010
Citation
1002371

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 1002371.

What this means for you

A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.

What you can do next

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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.