The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee replacements and post-operative pulmonary embolisms are not considered to have contributed to his death, as the cause of death is attributed to another condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death. The examiner also noted the Veteran had a history of post-operative pulmonary embolisms following back surgery which may have been related to his cause of death.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral total knee replacement, post-operative pulmonary embolism
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 11, 2010
- Citation
- 1029930
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 1029930.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee pain was reopened, and he is now entitled to a total rating for his knees. The Board found new and material evidence that supports the claim.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple issues have been dismissed due to the Veteran requesting a withdrawal of all appeal matters.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection due to the death of the appellant.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private and VA treatment records from his primary care provider and conducting further examinations.
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.