The veteran's claims for service connection for bicuspid aortic valve (claimed as aortic regurgitation) and right heel bone spur were denied. His claim for an initial rating in excess of 10% for tibial fibular fracture of the right ankle, status post surgery, with associated scar was granted with a 10% disability rating effective October 31, 2004.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service records showed mild aortic regurgitation. However, no medical evidence addressed whether he had current disability related to aortic regurgitation and the relationship between such disability and aortic insufficiency in service.
- Claimed conditions
- {"conditionName":"bicuspid aortic valve","status":"claimed as aortic regurgitation"}, {"conditionName":"right heel bone spur","status":""}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 26, 2007
- Citation
- 0733802
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 0733802.
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.
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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