The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated by active service, thus denying his claim for service connection.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's heart disorder did not worsen during service and was controlled and stable. The Veteran's own statements of worsening were considered more likely related to limitations due to the medical condition rather than an actual worsening of the condition itself.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatic heart disease, aortic insufficiency, murmur (heart disorder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 18, 2010
- Citation
- 1006109
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1006109.
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: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for aortic insufficiency, aortic stenosis and congestive heart failure, and carotid artery disease. The conditions are related to in-service exposure to toxic substances and stress.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the proposed reduction of his rating for hypertensive heart disease, including valvular heart disease and aortic insufficiency.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer with urinary incontinence, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), aortic insufficiency, and urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer) as the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatic heart disease was granted. The claim for hypertensive vascular disease was remanded.
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