The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the Board finds that no service connection is warranted for cause of death or DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.
The deciding factor: Lung cancer did not have its onset during active duty service or within one year after discharge, and there was no evidence linking any service-connected condition to the Veteran's death.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic spindle cell carcinoma of the lung (lung cancer), degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine, status post left wrist fracture with secondary degenerative changes, carpal tunnel syndrome of right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 19, 2013
- Citation
- 1319730
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 1319730.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy, which has rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance from another person.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment, so a TDIU is granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his disability rating was reduced to 90 percent from May 1, 2022. He does not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU based on a single disability rated at 40% or more and sufficient additional disabilities to bring the combined overall rating to 70% or more.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral pes cavus with plantar fasciitis.
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.