The Veteran died in February 2009 due to COPD, with fractured hip and prostate cancer as other significant conditions. The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected and denied both service connection for cause of death and eligibility for service-connected burial benefits.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's COPD was not shown to be related to his military service, and thus could not be considered a service-connected disability for purposes of determining eligibility for service-connected burial benefits.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Fractured hip, Prostate cancer
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2014
- Citation
- 1411481
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 1411481.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his myocardial infarction and COPD to his military service.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease is rated at 100% effective October 25, 2024. His prostate cancer residuals are rated at 60% effective October 25, 2024.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as the Board found that he is already in receipt of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure. A second award of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance was not warranted.
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