The VA examiner determined that the current heart murmur is less likely than not related to service, given the Veteran's age and lifestyle. The examination report did not mention the in-service diagnosis of a split first apical sound.
The deciding factor: The June 2011 VA examination found no direct evidence linking the current heart murmur to service due to the Veteran's advanced age and active lifestyle, suggesting it may be developmental or related to lung-induced right ventricle enlargement.
- Claimed conditions
- heart murmur
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 4, 2014
- Citation
- 1439489
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 1439489.
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 heart murmur and allergic rhinitis, finding the current conditions are related to service. Service connection was denied for headaches and residuals of traumatic brain injury due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a heart condition due to severe electrocution, as there is insufficient evidence in the record to determine if his symptoms are related to his active service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current heart disability, including atrial fibrillation and a heart murmur, is related to his service. The Veteran must be provided with an examination to determine if any heart condition had its onset during service or is otherwise linked to his military service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on the claims. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.
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