The defender died in 2023 at the age of 70 after being diagnosed with vascular dementia.
The findings of the inquest into his death, held in Northallerton, Yorkshire, were revealed today (Monday, January 26).
Senior coroner John Heath told the hearing: "I have found that Mr McQueen suffered repetitive head impacts during his career.
"I am satisfied that, on the balance of probability, repeatedly heading footballs contributed to his developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
"The combination of CTE and vascular dementia led to pneumonia. I find the cause of death pneumonia, vascular dementia and CTE. It is likely that repetitive head impacts, sustained by heading the ball while playing football, contributed to the CTE."
Gordon McQueen (Image: Contributed)
McQueen signed for St Mirren from Largs Thistle and later became a key central defender for Leeds and Manchester United. He later managed Airdrie and coached at St Mirren and Middlesbrough.
His daughter, Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen, said after the hearing: "It should have been a turning point many, many years ago when we learnt the same thing with Jeff Astle and not much has happened between that time and now.
"Hopefully, my dad's legacy will not just be what he gave football on the pitch but what we can learn from this and make sure that this really real, horrible problem isn't a problem for future generations.
"They need the help from the footballing authorities, but there also needs to be changes too - potential legislation and just education."
She added: "He loved football, he absolutely loved everything about football. But, ultimately, it took him in the end. He went through an horrendous time towards the end of his life.
"I think my dad's main message would be to warn others against the dangers of heading and protect future generations."