The Board found that the veteran's service-connected PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to his death from hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The deciding factor: There was no scientifically confirmed evidence showing a causal relationship between PTSD and heart disease, and other factors such as smoking and hypercholesterolemia were more likely contributors to the veteran's death.
- Claimed conditions
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Shell fragment scar on the right upper back with significant loss of underlying tissue, Seizure disorder, Shell fragment wound of the right chest, Tinnitus, Residuals of shrapnel in the left elbow, Shell fragment scar on the left upper back with significant loss of underlying tissue, Shell fragment wound of the left neck, Residuals of a pleural cavity injury with pneumothorax, Shell fragment wound of the scalp, Shell fragment wound of the upper right arm and right shoulder, Scar of the gluteal region, Hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- November 16, 2005
- Citation
- 0530907
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 0530907.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.