The Board has reopened the appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and determined that it is due to a heart condition related to his service-connected psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's death was not caused by any other conditions, and the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder contributed to his death.
The deciding factor: The VA expert opinion of July 2010 supported the appellant's contention that the Veteran's longstanding heart disease was less likely as not caused by his anxiety disorder, if he had one. The cardiologist's opinion indicated that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder contributed to his fatal myocardial infarction.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute myocardial infarction, Coronary artery disease, Generalized arthrosclerosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 6, 2010
- Citation
- 1037741
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 1037741.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2010. Additionally, he is in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for HISA benefits is granted as the modification requested (a barrier free, roll-in shower) falls within the scope of HISA and addresses his medical need due to his service-connected coronary artery disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA examination, which is necessary for a fully informed decision on the Veteran's heart disability claim.
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