The Veteran's death was caused by acute bronchopneumonia and pulmonary emboli, which were a direct result of an acute hospitalization for surgery to treat colon cancer. The service-connected asthmatic bronchitis with COPD did not accelerate his death; however, the appellant's continued smoking after discharge from military service was the main causative entity in the development of conditions that were fatal.
The deciding factor: The IME concluded that the Veteran's service-connected COPD did not significantly contribute to his cause of death, but his continuing to smoke cigarettes after discharge from military service was the primary causative factor in the development of the conditions that led to his death.
- Claimed conditions
- asthmatic bronchitis with COPD, diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 30, 2013
- Citation
- 1331483
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 1331483.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, visual impairment, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claims were not granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, left lower extremity peripheral artery disease, and hypertension as the evidence did not establish an in-service event or exposure to herbicide agents.
- Granted
The Veteran's Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular Aid and Attendance is granted as of April 25, 2024.,For diabetes mellitus, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.
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