The Board found that the veteran died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and his death was due to depression caused by primary alcohol abuse disorder. The service connection for the cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking the veteran's manic-depressive/bipolar disorder to his military service.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that while the appellant claimed the veteran suffered from a manic-depressive/bipolar disorder during service, this claim was not supported by competent medical evidence and thus could not be granted.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, a skin condition, to include tinea versicolor, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, degenerative joint disease of all toes of the right foot, degenerative joint disease of all toes of the left foot, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, degenerative joint disease of the left ankle, residuals of a fracture of the right third toe, sinusitis, periostitis of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 16, 2002
- Citation
- 0207935
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 0207935.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and will provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and has ordered the case back to the AOJ for proper notice regarding the Veteran's right to a hearing.
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