The Board found that the Veteran's current heart disabilities (coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation) did not manifest within one year of separation from service, and thus are not presumed to have been incurred in service. The Board also determined that these conditions are not related to service. For his foot disability, the Board concluded that there is no evidence of a cold injury or current cold injury residuals, and found that degenerative joint disease is more likely due to normal aging rather than service. As such, service connection for both heart disabilities and foot disability was denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's opinion supported the denial by noting the lack of any documented cold injuries in service and post-service records, as well as the absence of a current diagnosis of cold injury residuals or cold injury symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease, Atrial fibrillation, Degenerative joint disease of the feet, Residuals of cold injury of the feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 9, 2016
- Citation
- 1623179
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 1623179.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2010. Additionally, he is in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for HISA benefits is granted as the modification requested (a barrier free, roll-in shower) falls within the scope of HISA and addresses his medical need due to his service-connected coronary artery disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA examination, which is necessary for a fully informed decision on the Veteran's heart disability claim.
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