The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and frostbite residuals in the hands and feet, did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.
The deciding factor: A VA medical expert opined that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not play a significant role in his vascular disease, and other risk factors were more likely contributors to his acute myocardial infarction.
- Claimed conditions
- Myocardial infarction due to or as a consequence of respiratory arrest, Frostbite residuals in the hands and feet, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Shell fragment wound scar on the right thigh
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 25, 2008
- Citation
- 0813670
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right hip, left hip, and left shoulder, as well as PTSD. The claim for a higher rating for the right knee scar was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, due to inadequate medical opinions and a Stegall violation.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's PTSD warranted a 70 percent rating from September 1, 2021, to February 3, 2022, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for insomnia, PTSD, and depression due to a need for additional development.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.