The Veteran's heart disorders were not shown to be related to his military service and the Board denied his claim for service connection.
The deciding factor: The pre-service EKG did not show a diagnosis of LVH, and the in-service chest pain was more likely non-cardiac. The current heart disorder is not linked to service due to lack of evidence showing an increase in severity during service.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease with angina pectoris, unstable angina, atherosclerotic heart, unstable hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 9, 2013
- Citation
- 1325330
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 1325330.
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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.