The Veteran's cause of death was listed as glioblastoma multiforme, which began more than 51 years after service and was not shown to be the result of service or any incident of service. The appellant argued that retinitis pigmentosa contributed to his death from a glioblastoma multiforme, but the VA medical opinion concluded that retinitis pigmentosa did not contribute substantially to the cause of death.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's inherited eye defect (retinitis pigmentosa) had no direct connection to his death from a brain tumor (glioblastoma multiforme).
- Claimed conditions
- Glioblastoma Multiforme, Retinitis Pigmentosa
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 21, 2011
- Citation
- 1111146
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 1111146.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty to assist error in the VA examinations prior to the decision. The Board requires further development to determine the severity of his eye disabilities and their relationship to service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 11, 2007 for the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on blindness in both eyes having only light perception. The Veteran's eligibility for SMC became factually ascertainable on that date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's fatal brain tumor had its onset during service or was otherwise related to his military service. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion addressing these matters.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for effective dates and service connection due to issues related to Usher Syndrome, hearing impairment with vertigo, retinitis pigmentosa, and SMC based on loss of use of vision and hearing. The Veteran is seeking clarification on whether a separate rating for Usher Syndrome should be granted.
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