The veteran died in a single-vehicle accident, and the appellant argues that his death was caused by post-traumatic stress disorder or due to his use of alcohol related to his service-connected condition. Further development is needed to determine if the cause of death was suicide or alcohol use.
The deciding factor: Further development is needed to determine the cause of the veteran's death, including mental unsoundness and the clinical significance of the blood alcohol level in context with post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 3, 2008
- Citation
- 0807142
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 0807142.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance since January 22, 2018. The Board has granted an effective date of January 22, 2018 for SMC based on aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's discharge from the PCAFC program was remanded due to incomplete file and inadequate medical opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as he does not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU on a schedular basis, and there is no evidence to support an earlier effective date based on extraschedular considerations.
- Granted
The Veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is rated at 100 percent effective November 21, 2019, due to total occupational and social impairment.
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