The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially to his death due to cancer of the larynx, which was caused by his use of tobacco products.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to the Veteran's death. The appellant testified and submitted evidence indicating that the Veteran smoked for years as a coping mechanism for PTSD, and two death certificates noted tobacco use contributed to the Veteran's death. The Board finds that the Veteran's tobacco use was a substantial factor in causing his larynx cancer.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell cancer of the larynx, bilateral defective hearing, shrapnel wound to the left buttock
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2012
- Citation
- 1218012
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 1218012.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the readjudication of the claims for service connection for bilateral defective hearing and tinnitus, as new and relevant evidence was received.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person throughout the period on appeal, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral defective hearing was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on bilateral defective hearing and left ankle injury residuals, as well as his claims for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound, and eligibility for a grant for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.
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