The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder contributed substantially to his death from congestive heart failure due to coronary artery disease and diabetes.
The deciding factor: PTSD with major depressive disorder was at least as likely as not a substantial contributor to the coronary heart condition (ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy) that ultimately led to the Veteran's death.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with major depressive disorder, recurrent neurodermatitis of the hands, elbows and right ankle, shell fragment wound scar of the forehead, residual scar of the middle finger of the right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 30, 2013
- Citation
- 1314218
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 1314218.
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 Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder, a total rating based on individual unemployability prior to October 31, 2023, and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance prior to the same date.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD effective October 1, 2023, and denied an earlier effective date for DEA benefits based on permanent and total disability status prior to that date.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder and remanded the issue of entitlement to TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder as the Veteran's symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.
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