CAVC Case 95-1109: PTSD
CAVCReal U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decision · September 21, 1998 · NEBEKER, Chief Judge
This is a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims — the federal court that reviews Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions, one level above the Board. Court decisions can vacate, reverse, or affirm what the Board did.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Conditions Claimed
PTSDBackHipHeartRespiratoryTDIUEyeRadiculopathy
Referral disclosure: VetAid earns a referral fee if you become a paying REE Medical client through this link — it helps keep this site free. REE Medical provides paid medical evidence; it is not a law firm, VSO, or claims agent, and VetAid has not independently verified its services. VSOs and VA-accredited representatives will help you file your claim at no cost, and no one can guarantee a rating increase.
Issues on Appeal
PTSDBackHipHeartRespiratoryTDIUEyeRadiculopathy
Why It Was Decided This Way
In February 1984, the RO again denied his claims for service connection for back and foot disorders, but did not address the claim for PTSD.
contributing to death but not related to [immediate] cause.
In the October 1995 BVA decision here on appeal, the Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.
The Board concluded that the veteran's "cardiovascular disease was neither incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in service.
The appellant also argues that the Board's statement of reasons or bases for its credibility and evidentiary determinations was in error.
Finally, she argues that the Board erred in failing to address a pending claim for PTSD.
Service Connection for the Cause of the Veteran's Death Whether the veteran's death was related to his exposure to Agent Orange while in service is a question of fact which this Court reviews under the "clearly erroneous" standard.
In defining what constitutes a "contributory cause of death," VA regulations provide: Contributory cause of death is inherently one not related to the principal cause.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
Credibility
Find Similar Precedent for Your Claim
VetAid's analyzer maps your claim against thousands of real Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions like this one — surfacing the exact case law that supports your arguments.
Run my claim through VetAid →