The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his PVD and PAD, contributed to his death from ischemic cardiomyopathy. The criteria for service connection have been met.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity disability prevented him from exercising and being physically active, which significantly increased the risk of worsening his heart problems leading to his death from ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- ischemic cardiomyopathy, history of arterial reconstruction secondary to traumatic injury of left lower extremity (PVD and PAD), neuropathy of the left and right common peroneal nerves, right knee degenerative joint disease, posttraumatic degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, limitation of flexion of the left and right hips, limitation of internal rotation of the bilateral hips
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2021
- Citation
- 21074879
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 21074879.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease, including secondary to a service-connected left knee disability, is granted. The condition was not related to military service and no aggravation by the service-connected left knee disability could be established.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, and requests medical opinions on the etiology of his coronary artery disease, GERD with dyspepsia, and upper respiratory infection.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were withdrawn, and his claims for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant higher ratings.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, left arm, and right knee disabilities have been granted due to new evidence presented. The cases are being remanded for further examination and rating.
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