The Board has determined that the issue of entitlement to DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is inextricably intertwined with issues of service connection for chronic emphysema and bronchitis, for accrued benefits purposes. The case is REMANDED for further development.
The deciding factor: The immediate cause of the Veteran's death was cardiac arrest due to or as a consequence of coronary artery disease, which may be related to his respiratory disorders (chronic emphysema and bronchitis).
- Claimed conditions
- chronic emphysema, bronchitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 20, 2016
- Citation
- 1628863
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 1628863.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for frequent urination, erectile dysfunction, chronic pain multiple joints, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and chronic bradycardia, acid reflux, bronchitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to the presence of service-connected conditions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for bronchitis, OSA as secondary to rhinitis, and migraine headaches as secondary to hypertension or OSA. The AOJ will need to provide additional medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions, including considering the synergistic effects of all relevant exposures.
- Dismissed
Your appeal for service connection for bronchitis has been dismissed because the benefit was granted in a previous rating decision.
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