The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder contributed to his death from lung cancer, COPD, pneumonia, and coronary artery disease. The Board found the evidence at least in equipoise as to whether GAD caused or contributed substantially to the cause of death.
The deciding factor: Dr. H.S.'s opinion established that the Veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder contributed materially and substantially to his causes of death by affecting vital organs and processes which made him more susceptible to lung cancer and coronary artery disease.
- Claimed conditions
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder, COPD, Lung Cancer with metastases, Pneumonia, Tobacco abuse, Coronary artery disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 17, 2018
- Citation
- 18127606
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 18127606.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current respiratory disability and active duty service. The VA examiner concluded that the COPD was more likely due to tobacco use rather than asbestos exposure in service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, attributing it to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. COPD is considered a disease associated with such exposure.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is related to his active-duty service and has granted service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for COPD. The Veteran's COPD is presumed due to exposure to herbicides, but the evidence does not support a finding that it began during active service or is related to in-service exposure.
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