The Veteran died from cardiopulmonary arrest probably secondary to acute myocardial infarction. His service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death from cardiopulmonary arrest, likely due to an acute myocardial infarction.
- Claimed conditions
- pleural cavity injury, brachial plexus neuritis, injury to Muscle Group I, right supraclavicular region, scar, shrapnel wound, left leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 11, 2011
- Citation
- 1118086
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 1118086.
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 TDIU was granted from April 17, 2006 due to service-connected PTSD and other disabilities meeting the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The effective date of December 31, 2009 is incorrect as evidence shows unemployability prior to that date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and adjudicating the claims of service connection for a rib disability other than rib resection of the 10th posterior rib (to include additional rib removal) and a psychiatric disability (to include PTSD).
- Denied
The VA has denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's pleural cavity injury secondary to a shell fragment wound and spontaneous pneumothorax, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, singly or in combination, do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment.
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.