He developed a nagging ache in his neck that limited his movement and caused him a great deal of discomfort and the VA docs couldn't figure out the cause but they didn't object when he went to a chiropractor several times a week for about a month or so.
Finally, the VA gave him a full head and neck scan and discovered a rapid-growth tumor.
He was scheduled for corrective surgery, etc. when he died of a stroke.
A tragedy indeed.