The Board has restored DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to ischemic cardiomyopathy, which is a presumptive condition resulting from exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in severing service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death based on an incorrect translation of his death certificate and incomplete medical opinions.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy, Dementia
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 28, 2019
- Citation
- 19166676
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 19166676.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to duty to assist errors, including the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's causes of death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a TERA-specific VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's ischemic cardiomyopathy is related to his in-service exposure to toxins, including asbestos.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for coronary artery disease, ischemic cardiomyopathy, aortic aneurysm as secondary to coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia as secondary to coronary artery disease. Sleep apnea was remanded for further consideration.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for insomnia and remanded the claim for obstructive sleep apnea. All other claims for service connection were denied.
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.