The Board found that the Veteran did not have service in Vietnam and thus could not establish herbicide exposure. The cause of death was attributed to aspiration pneumonia, with underlying causes including hypertension-related cardiovascular disease. Service connection for these conditions is denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure or a link to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service records show he did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam and thus could not be presumed exposed to herbicides. The cause of death was attributed to aspiration pneumonia, with underlying causes including hypertension-related cardiovascular disease. There is no evidence of in-service exposure or a link to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Aspiration pneumonia, Emphysema, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, Coronary artery disease, Urinary tract infection secondary to an enlarged prostate
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 20, 2016
- Citation
- 1636715
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 1636715.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his myocardial infarction and COPD to his military service.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as the Board found that he is already in receipt of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure. A second award of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance was not warranted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.