The Veteran's death was not service-connected as his cause of death (cardiovascular collapse due to cerebral edema, as a consequence of a gunshot wound to the brain) was not related to any service-connected disability. The Board denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 and service connection for the cause of death.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's death was caused by a service-connected disability, nor could it be linked to his active military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Cardiovascular collapse, Cerebral edema, Gunshot wound to the brain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18156881
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 18156881.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's death was not due to service-connected conditions, and the Board is remanding for further development of evidence regarding the cause of death.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Salisbury VAMC treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the relationship between in-service symptoms and the Veteran's cause of death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran died due to acute respiratory failure caused by cerebral edema and ischemic infarction. The Board found no service connection for any disability, and there was insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's death to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran is seeking payment or reimbursement for medical expenses incurred at various hospitals due to a seizure and cerebral edema. The VAMC denied the claim, but on remand, further clarification of service-connected disabilities and eligibility for coverage will be needed.
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