The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated in service, including exposure to environmental hazards. The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and emphysema were more likely due to his long-term cigarette smoking than to any service-connected condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's COPD and emphysema were primarily caused by his long-term cigarette smoking, not by exposure to environmental hazards during service.
- Claimed conditions
- cardiorespiratory arrest, emphysema hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 2, 2023
- Citation
- 23012858
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 23012858.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's death was caused by cardiorespiratory arrest and metastatic esophageal cancer. The appellant is recognized as the surviving spouse, but service connection for cause of death remains pending due to insufficient information on in-service exposure to herbicide agents.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's cardiorespiratory arrest to his military service or a service-connected disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran's respiratory conditions, including pulmonary hypertension and hypoxia (claimed as asbestosis), are related to his service exposure. However, due to potential additional exposures during civilian employment, a remand is required for further examination and opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the Board found insufficient evidence to establish a connection between his conditions and his military service.
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