The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be myocardial infarction, with underlying immediate causes being congestive heart failure and COPD. The Board found the medical evidence in equipoise, granting service connection for the cause of death.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence demonstrated both severe heart-related disease (not service-connected) and respiratory-related disease (service-connected) at the time of the Veteran's death, with the 2005 VA examiner opining that the Veteran's heart disease was as likely as not the cause of his death. The death certificate listed both causes of death.
- Claimed conditions
- Myocardial infarction, Congestive heart failure, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2011
- Citation
- 1140285
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 1140285.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his myocardial infarction and COPD to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction, status post stent placement, as well as obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC at the (r)(1) rate due to his service-connected major depressive disorder and congestive heart failure, which require regular aid and attendance.
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