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Denied

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 5, 2009 for a 100 percent rating for valvular heart disease was denied as there is no evidence of an increase in disability within one year prior to the formal claim on May 5, 2009.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was not factually ascertainable as there was no increase in disability between May 5, 2008 and May 5, 2009.

Claimed conditions
valvular heart disease, aortic valve and mitral valve, residuals of rheumatic fever
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
100%
Decision date
July 18, 2012
Citation
1225007

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 1225007.

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.

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