The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, multiple blunt force injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, was not caused by any service-connected disability and denied both claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's cause of death to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II, left lower extremity neuropathy, PTSD, right lower extremity neuropathy, and diabetic ulcer of the left foot.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple blunt force injuries, Diabetes mellitus type II, Left lower extremity neuropathy, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Right lower extremity neuropathy, Diabetic ulcer of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 28, 2011
- Citation
- 1128108
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 1128108.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability status post knee replacement. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent and needs to be re-adjudicated due to a failure to obtain private mental health treatment records.
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