The Veteran's death was caused by CHF, severe pulmonary hypertension, and severe COPD. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals contributed to his obesity, which in turn led to these conditions. Therefore, DIC benefits are granted based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals caused him to become obese, leading to CHF, severe pulmonary hypertension, and severe COPD, which were his immediate causes of death.
- Claimed conditions
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Severe Pulmonary Hypertension, Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23013108
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 23013108.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied a higher rating for CAD and remanded the claim of service connection for CHF due to a duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the evidence is in approximate balance regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders led to his claimed congestive heart failure with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The claim for secondary service connection is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's heart conditions and their relation to service. The Veteran is asked to provide an addendum opinion from a qualified medical professional.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of PTSD and denied service connection for CHF. The Veteran's claim for PTSD was improperly concurrent with a Supplemental Claim, leading to its dismissal.
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