The Veteran's cause of death, septic shock due to intra-abdominal infection, was not caused or contributed substantially or materially by his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence that the Veteran’s service-connected conditions played a material role in causing his death, rendered him less able to withstand effects of underlying disease, or hastened his death.
- Claimed conditions
- left below-the-knee amputation, Sneddon's syndrome with organic mental disorder with depression, seizure disorder secondary to Sneddon's syndrome, peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity secondary to Sneddon's syndrome, livedo reticularis secondary to Sneddon's syndrome, hypertension secondary to Sneddon's syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- October 18, 2012
- Citation
- 1236084
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 1236084.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for left heel non-healing ulcer and osteomyelitis, left below-the-knee amputation, right hand Dupuytren's contracture and trigger finger, and left hand Dupuytren's contracture and trigger finger to obtain additional medical opinions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and left below-the-knee amputation rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is the basis for SMC. The Board granted this benefit.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The claim for service connection for left below-the-knee amputation remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left below-the-knee amputation. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to his failure to report for VA examinations, and the need for further medical opinions.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.