The Veteran's death is due to Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which was caused by or as a consequence of pneumonia, and adenocarcinoma. The appellant argues that the cause of death should be related to her husband's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. However, VA must consider whether ischemic heart disease, as a service-connected condition, contributed to his death.
The deciding factor: The Veteran had a past history of myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), which is considered ischemic heart disease. The examiner's opinion is needed to determine if this condition materially contributed to the Veteran's death.
- Claimed conditions
- Adenocarcinoma, Ischemic Heart Disease
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 13, 2014
- Citation
- 1426822
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 1426822.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease was granted a 30% disability rating effective August 31, 2010. The condition manifested as cardiac hypertrophy and a workload of greater than 5.0 but less than 7.0 METs without congestive heart failure or LVEF of 50 percent or less.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, prostate cancer residuals, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (sciatic), and diabetes mellitus Type 2, combine to result in physical or mental impairment that renders him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance of another person. However, the need for aid and attendance must be determined without considering nonservice-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates of April 12, 2022, but no earlier, for service connection of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), Diabetes Mellitus, Type II, Right Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease (RLPAD), Left Foot Little and Third Toe Amputation, Left Foot Great Toe Amputation, and Left Lower Extremity Residual Surgical Scars.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU is being remanded due to the need to consider additional evidence not previously considered.
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