The veteran incurred unauthorized medical expenses at UMC in Cheyenne, Wyoming for a left heart catheterization and ventriculography. The VAMC has denied the claim on the basis that VA facilities were feasibly available and treatment could have been delayed over the weekend. The Board is remanding the case to clarify reimbursement status, obtain missing records, and seek medical opinions regarding whether the condition was emergent and if VA or Federal facilities were feasible.
The deciding factor: The VAMC has not determined that VA facilities were feasibly available for treatment of an emergent condition on March 18, 2005.
- Claimed conditions
- unstable angina
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 28, 2008
- Citation
- 0806858
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 0806858.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and unstable angina, have caused significant functional impairment that may affect his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has decided the appeal is remanded for a retrospective medical opinion regarding the impact of these conditions on his employability.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates for the award of service connection and increased rating for ischemic heart disease was dismissed as it is not a valid freestanding claim.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected heart conditions (unstable angina, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy with AICD) are granted. Additionally, the Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a heart disability. The Board will consider all evidence related to the veteran's heart conditions.
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