The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities resulting from a motorcycle accident are deemed to be the result of his own willful misconduct, specifically alcohol abuse. As such, he is not eligible for VA pension benefits.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran was driving under the influence (DUI) at the time of the motor vehicle accident, which resulted in his injuries and disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Quadriplegia, Closed head injury, Pulmonary contusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 16, 2011
- Citation
- 1123131
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 1123131.
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 Board has granted the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of non-VA ambulance transportation provided on February 17, 2021. The decision is based on the necessity and medical necessity of the transport related to emergency treatment.
- Denied
The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for quadriplegia due to VA procedures, finding that the Veteran's condition was not caused by or related to VA care.
- Granted
The Veteran's quadriplegia is found to be a result of the VA treatment during his cervical spine surgery, and the Board grants compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.
- Denied
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim, but denied her entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for quadriplegia with bladder and bowel dysfunction due to carelessness or negligence on VA's part.
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