The Board denied DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of death due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by anal fistula, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure or service-connected conditions related to the cause of death.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in service and no service-connected condition related to the cause of death. The normal clinical findings at service separation contradicted the appellant's assertions of diagnosis and treatment during service.
- Claimed conditions
- dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, anal fistula
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2014
- Citation
- 1444084
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1444084.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's daughter, including a claim for anal fistula, right knee injury residuals, left ear hearing loss, and valvular heart disease. The decision also notes that no fiduciary was appointed on behalf of the Appellant due to her adoption.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an anal fistula, finding that there was no evidence to support a relationship between his service-connected GERD and the development of the anal fistula. The Board also noted that the Veteran had not been diagnosed with any other conditions such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, dehydration, prediabetes, headaches, a sleep disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, painful urination, erectile dysfunction, right and left knee disorders, flat feet, and a right toe disability. The remand is due to the failure to provide notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing before the AOJ.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids with anal fissure and fistula, finding that the Veteran's burn pit exposures likely aggravated his existing IBS-related diarrhea, which in turn caused his hemorrhoids.
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