The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, ischemic cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease, is less likely than not related to his service-connected PTSD. The medical evidence does not support a finding that any of the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed substantially or materially to his death.
The deciding factor: The VA physician found that the Veteran's cause of death was less likely than not related to his service-connected PTSD, and noted that most medical studies are inconclusive regarding PTSD as a cause of ischemic heart disease.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy, Valvular heart disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 28, 2010
- Citation
- 1023960
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 1023960.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for congestive heart failure with implanted pacemaker, bradycardia, valvular heart disease, and atrial fibrillation, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and transient ischemic attack, prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for congestive heart failure and valvular heart disease, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.
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