The Board found that the service-connected bilateral knee and pes planus disabilities did not substantially or materially contribute to the Veteran's death from cardiopulmonary arrest due to cardiomyopathy. The VA physician concluded there was no evidence they contributed substantially or materially to his death.
The deciding factor: The VA physician explained that exercise has a minor impact on CAD compared to conventional risk factors and that bilateral knee osteoarthritis and/or knee replacement did not contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran's death from cardiomyopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- cardiomyopathy, bilateral knee instability with osteoarthritis, pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 23, 2011
- Citation
- 1124024
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 1124024.
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 service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus condition was aggravated by service. The effective date is August 15, 2025.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, finding that her current condition had its onset during active military service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's heart condition, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.
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