The Board has determined that the service-connected PTSD did not substantially or materially contribute to the cause of the veteran's death. The VA and private medical records do not show a causal link between the veteran's PTSD and his cardiovascular disease, which was found to be caused by other risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.
The deciding factor: The VHA cardiologist concluded that the veteran's PTSD did not directly or indirectly cause his myocardial infarction approximately 36 years after combat, and thus did not contribute substantially to his death.
- Claimed conditions
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Residuals of frostbite with arthritis, bilaterally, Tender and painful scar on the left shoulder, Weak feet, Shell fragment wound to the left chest
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 26, 2007
- Citation
- 0702425
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 0702425.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent level, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal of the denial for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed because the issue was already under review through Higher-Level Review.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.
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