The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility were not covered by VA because the care was for a non-service-connected condition and he had other health insurance that paid most of the costs.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725 as his medical expenses were incurred due to a non-service-connected condition and covered by private insurance.
- Claimed conditions
- unstable angina, myocardial infarction (ruled out), severe three-vessel coronary artery disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2011
- Citation
- 1101584
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 1101584.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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