The Board found that the veteran's rheumatic heart disease with mitral insufficiency is inactive and does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show any signs of active infection, congestive heart failure, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 50 percent. The veteran's condition was found to be inactive and asymptomatic.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatic heart disease with mitral insufficiency
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 8, 2006
- Citation
- 0638331
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0638331.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected heart disability, which includes rheumatic heart disease with mitral insufficiency and history of cardiac pacemaker implantation, warrants a 30 percent rating.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.