The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing mitral valve regurgitation was aggravated by his fourth period of active service, warranting service connection for this condition. The record does not support a finding of aggravation in the Veteran's sleep disorder during service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's heart disorder (mitral valve regurgitation) is considered to have been aggravated by his fourth period of service due to physical stress and strenuous activity, while his claimed sleep disorder has no documented onset or treatment related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Heart Disorder (Mitral Valve Regurgitation), Sleep Disorder
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2017
- Citation
- 1748398
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 1748398.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD and Sleep Disorder due to insufficient development, including a lack of VA examinations or medical opinions assessing these conditions. The RO must provide such assessments.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need additional medical opinions regarding the onset of the Veteran's sleep disability during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a sleep disorder, to include obstructive sleep apnea, due to insufficient evidence and the need for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, head injury, and arthritis to ensure that VA has met its duty to assist by obtaining outstanding treatment records and providing an adequate medical opinion.
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