The Board has determined that the service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to the Veteran's death. The respiratory failure and pneumonia that caused his death were not related to service, while the service-connected conditions (cervical spine limitation of motion, left shoulder condition from a gunshot wound, PTSD) are not considered contributory causes of death.
The deciding factor: The Board found no evidence linking the cause of death (respiratory failure and pneumonia) to any service-connected disability. The Veteran's service treatment records did not show any chronic lung disorder or tuberculosis in service. The private physician's opinion regarding malaria, emaciation, and debilitation at discharge was considered less probative due to lack of concrete evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- limitation of motion of the cervical spine, left shoulder from the residuals of a gunshot wound to the left back, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pulmonary tuberculosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 27, 2017
- Citation
- 1729690
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 1729690.
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).
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