The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder, diagnosed as aortic valve replacement, did not manifest during service or for many years thereafter and is not linked to his military service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for a heart disorder was denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's heart condition was less likely than not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event or illness due to lack of evidence of a heart disorder during service and no etiological link between the current condition and military service.
- Claimed conditions
- heart valve replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2016
- Citation
- 1634978
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1634978.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to service connection for erectile dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea, an increased evaluation of coronary artery disease, and earlier effective dates for individual unemployability and Dependents' Educational Assistance. The Board has determined that the claims are remanded due to the need for further development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has caused or aggravated his heart disability, including valvular heart disease, heart valve replacement, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The Board grants the claims for secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for the period from September 20, 2022 to June 13, 2023 and a 60 percent evaluation from October 1, 2023, but denied an earlier effective date prior to September 20, 2022.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The claim for restoring a reduction in the veteran's heart disability rating was dismissed. The veteran is not entitled to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for heart disability prior to April 25, 2022, or in excess of 60 percent from April 25, 2022.
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.