The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his death was due to conditions caused by exposure to herbicide agents while serving aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga.
The deciding factor: The evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the U.S.S. Ticonderoga traveled in the offshore waters of Vietnam while the Veteran served aboard the ship, and given that the Veteran's death certificate lists diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease as immediate causes of his death, which are presumptively related to exposure to herbicide agents.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease, Diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2025
- Citation
- A25042576
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's coronary artery disease for all periods on appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; cervical spine radiculopathy, right upper extremity; coronary artery disease; and right ear hearing loss.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.