The VA determined that the veteran's post-aortic valve replacement condition does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the veteran had a workload of 10 METs, no more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure per year, and no left ventricular dysfunction. These findings did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- status post aortic valve replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 8, 2001
- Citation
- 0126156
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0126156.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection issues are addressed.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of secondary service connection for a heart disorder, which is proximately due to his service-connected hypertension.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of April 24, 2007 for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease and found that the Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his multiple service-connected disabilities. The decision also grants SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
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