The Veteran's death was caused by cardio-respiratory arrest, with underlying causes of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), tobacco disorder, and CAD (coronary artery disease). The appellant contends that his service-connected lumbar spine and hip disabilities contributed to the cause of death.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's physical disabilities prevented him from exercising for many years, which may have contributed to his heart and lung problems resulting in death.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-5 with partial left foot drop, Postoperative total right hip replacement, Postoperative total left hip replacement, Malaria
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- November 18, 2011
- Citation
- 1142615
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 1142615.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
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