Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted based on the benefit of the doubt doctrine, as his substance use disorders were caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.
The deciding factor: The evidence at least approximates balance to the point where the Board finds that the Veteran's substance use disorders were caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- substance use disorders
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 21, 2025
- Citation
- A25015930
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,456 · Granted: 23% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A25015930.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantial gainful employment since January 1, 2017.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder is granted. The Board finds a medical nexus between the Veteran's unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder and active-duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD or adjustment disorder with associated substance and/or alcohol abuse, is remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case is now pending for further examination and opinion.
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