The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his acute respiratory failure and septic shock were not related to active service or any service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show a link between the Veteran’s in-service breathing problems and his terminal condition, nor was there credible evidence linking asbestos exposure to his death.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute respiratory failure, Septic shock, Myeloma, Lymphoma, Renal failure, Urinary tract infection (UTI), Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Hematuria, Pneumonia
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21009640
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 21009640.
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: Granted
The Veteran's BPH is aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition as secondary to these disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran has been evaluated at a 100% disability rating since April 14, 2024. The Board finds the criteria for eligibility to enroll in PCAFC have been met due to his need for personal care services for six continuous months based on his lymphoma and related conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection for cause of death.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eligibility for the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) was remanded due to inadequate medical opinion and insufficient notice. The Board found that the Veteran required personal care services due to his chronic conditions, including lymphoma, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, and decreased mobility.
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