The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bronchiectasis and left lobectomy did not contribute substantially or materially to cause his death, as septicemia was listed as the immediate cause of death. The pulmonologist opined that these conditions were not etiologically related to the underlying cause.
The deciding factor: The VA pulmonologist found no evidence linking bronchiectasis and left lobectomy to the Veteran's death from septicemia, noting a lack of respiratory symptoms or abnormalities in medical records spanning 56 years between his surgery and death.
- Claimed conditions
- bronchiectasis, left lobectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 28, 2013
- Citation
- 1327557
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 1327557.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his COPD with ILD, specifically bronchiectasis and pulmonary nodules as it is a freestanding claim that cannot be filed after a final decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bronchiectasis and CVID on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities began during active service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions, including COPD, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion addressing these issues.
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