The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current cardiovascular disease found, including rheumatic fever residuals and/or valvular heart disorder. The Veteran's service-connected conditions (PTB and erythema nodosum) are also considered in determining whether these conditions may be related to her current symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Board requires a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any cardiovascular disease found, including rheumatic fever residuals and/or valvular heart disorder, as well as whether these conditions are related to service-connected conditions (PTB and erythema nodosum).
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatic fever, valvular heart disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 11, 2014
- Citation
- 1409673
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 1409673.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claims for service connection for several conditions, including low back disability and diabetes mellitus, type II, were granted. The claim for rheumatic fever was remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the appeal for further development due to new evidence added since the April 2024 supplemental statement of the case and consideration of both the former and revised versions of the rating criteria.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death due to valvular heart disorder, which is presumed associated with herbicide exposure under the PACT Act. The Veteran's hypertension, also presumptively linked to his service-connected ischemic heart disease, contributed to his valvular heart disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for several issues including earlier effective dates and increased disability ratings for heart conditions, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The Veteran's private treatment records are missing and need to be obtained.
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