Background

• Veteran served on active duty Apr 1942–Mar 1947; awarded the Purple Heart; died Aug 2003. Appellant is his surviving spouse.
• At death, the Veteran was service‑connected for PTSD and a left knee disability; medical records document history of atrial fibrillation and reports (1997) of increased heart rate related to PTSD triggers.
• Death certificate lists arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease as cause of death; appellant contends PTSD and medications for service‑connected conditions contributed to or caused the death.
• Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals arises from a July 2012 RO denial; a March 2016 hearing was held and the Board remanded in Apr 2016 for further development (substantial compliance noted).
• The Board found further development necessary and remanded for a VA medical opinion on whether PTSD or medications for service‑connected conditions caused or contributed to the Veteran’s arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and death.
• The Board ordered (1) a medical nexus opinion reviewing the file and addressing PTSD, medication effects, and whether a non‑speculative opinion is possible; (2) opportunity for appellant’s representative to submit additional evidence; and (3) readjudication and issuance of an SSOC if denial remains. The appeal was advanced on the docket.

Issues

Key Cases Cited

• Stegall v. West, 11 Vet. App. 268 (1998) (remand compliance principle)
• Dyment v. West, 13 Vet. App. 141 (1999) (remand compliance standard)
• Kutscherousky v. West, 12 Vet. App. 369 (1999) (right to submit evidence after remand)