The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for the cause of death due to new and material evidence, but finds that neither otitis externa nor herbicide exposure in Vietnam caused or contributed substantially to the Veteran's glioblastoma multiforme.
The deciding factor: The VA opinions indicate that otitis externa did not contribute to the cause of death, and there is no direct causal relationship between otitis externa and glioblastoma multiforme. The examiner also noted conflicting evidence regarding whether herbicide exposure in Vietnam caused or contributed to the Veteran's glioblastoma.
- Claimed conditions
- otitis externa, glioblastoma multiforme
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2016
- Citation
- 1616990
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 1616990.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of [REDACTED], 2009, for the award of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to glioblastoma multiforme, which is related to his military service. The Board found that the Veteran's glioblastoma was caused by his in-service exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Vietnam.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's glioblastoma, which caused his death, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his in-service herbicide exposure or any other aspect of his military service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and entitlement to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service onset or association with service, and concluded that the Veteran's current sleep apnea is not related to his PTSD. For the TDIU claim, the Board determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.
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