The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the cause of the Veteran's death is related to service, specifically exposure to benzene during active duty.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to determine if the cause of the Veteran's death (cardiorespiratory failure and metastatic pancreatic cancer) was related to in-service exposure to benzene.
- Claimed conditions
- cardiorespiratory failure, metastatic pancreatic cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2021
- Citation
- 21076064
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 21076064.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 Board has determined that the Veteran's metastatic pancreatic cancer, which was service-connected, substantially and materially contributed to his death. Therefore, service connection for cause of death is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's death was due to service-connected cause, specifically his metastatic pancreatic cancer which is presumed to be related to burn pit exposure in the Persian Gulf. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's causes of death to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's pancreatic neoplasm and metastatic pancreatic cancer are granted service connection.,The cause of the Veteran's death, respiratory arrest due to metastatic pancreatic cancer, is also granted service connection.
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