The VA medical opinions determined that the service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to the Veteran's death. The Board found the private medical opinions of limited probative value due to their lack of a reasoned analysis and reliance on the Veteran's claims file.
The deciding factor: VA medical opinions concluded that the service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran's death, based on the absence of evidence linking PTSD to cardiovascular conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Residuals shell fragment wound left lower extremity, Left pubic area tender scar, Left hand arthritis, Left hip arthritis, Base of left thumb tender scar, Mid-portion left foot tender scar, Chin and posterior aspect of neck scars, Right thigh scars, Bilateral hands scars, Left lower extremity scars, Base of right thumb scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 9, 2016
- Citation
- 1604852
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 1604852.
What this means for you
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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 PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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