The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the October 1996 rating decision denying service connection for the cause of death, as the evidence then of record was consistent with VA laws and regulations. The effective date for DIC benefits remains March 7, 2001.
The deciding factor: The October 1996 rating decision did not involve CUE because it was based on applicable law and regulations in effect at that time, which prohibited compensation for drug or alcohol abuse due to willful misconduct.
- Claimed conditions
- Alcohol abuse, Cardiovascular disorders, Diabetes mellitus, Psychiatric disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 7, 2005
- Citation
- 0515327
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0515327.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of ambulance travel expenses incurred on June 17, 2025 due to an emergency heart attack. The ambulance service was provided by a volunteer organization and later intercepted by a higher-tier EMT company.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for psychiatric disorder, right shoulder condition, and right knee condition due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction due to insufficient evidence or further clarification.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric condition, including PTSD, and service. The Veteran is also not entitled to a rating or effective date as this matter is being remanded.
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