The Board found that service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is not warranted, as there was no evidence linking his death to any conditions incurred or aggravated during service.
The deciding factor: The July 2014 VA opinion concluded that the most likely immediate cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to metabolic disturbance due to chronic diarrhea and malnutrition. The examiner explained that the Veteran's in-service gastrointestinal issues were distinct from his post-service symptoms, and there is no biological or pathophysiological connection between these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- cessation of circulation, chronic diarrhea
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2015
- Citation
- 1515452
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1515452.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for chronic diarrhea, service connection for diverticulitis, and service connection for a respiratory system disability to include restrictive lung disease and sleep apnea syndrome have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tension headaches and chronic diarrhea, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's chronic diarrhea is granted service connection. The Veteran's migraines are remanded for further review.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for chronic diarrhea with GERD is dismissed. The appeals for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for bilateral ankle disabilities are also dismissed.
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