Yes, per 38 CFR 3.302, an eligible survivor can receive death benefits from the VA, if the Veteran was of “unsound mind” at the time of the suicide and his/her “unsound mind” was a secondary condition or caused by the service-connected condition.

The attempt or act of suicide is considered evidence of an “unsound” mental status. The VA requires lay and medical documentation concerning the Veteran’s mental condition prior to the act and at the time of the suicide attempt or act. Such an example would be: The Veterans suicide was caused by his/her “unsound mind “condition which was considered a secondary condition to the Veteran’s service connected PTSD.