The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected rheumatic heart disease, which materially contributed to his cause of death (CAD and CHF). The appeal for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as the claim is moot due to the grant of service connection.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected rheumatic heart disease materially contributed to his fatal CAD and CHF, which were listed on his death certificate.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatic heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19193262
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 19193262.
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.
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- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) effective June 1, 2021, and increased ratings for mid-sternum scar, left lower extremity (LLE) scar, and migraines to 10%, 20%, and 50% respectively, all effective October 26, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for the AOJ to provide the Veteran with notice concerning his right to a hearing on a supplemental claim in accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 3.103(b)(1) and (d)(1).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) based on the Veteran's presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.
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