The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for rheumatic heart disease, amyloid cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia, and implanted automatic defibrillator was denied as no prior claims were pending at the time of the December 2014 rating decision.
The deciding factor: No claim for residuals of rheumatic fever filed prior to February 2000 Board decision remained pending following that decision. The November 18, 2013 claim petitioned the RO to reopen the finally adjudicated claim and was granted effective from the date of receipt (November 18, 2013).
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatic heart disease, amyloid cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia, implanted automatic defibrillator
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 6, 2018
- Citation
- 1814262
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 1814262.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified errors in the rating decision and is remanding the case for further development to ensure all relevant evidence is considered.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in development and adjudication, including a need for a TERA analysis and additional medical opinions regarding service connection.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals seeking increased ratings for ventricular arrhythmia and adjustment disorder have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for ventricular arrhythmia was improper and has granted full restoration of severed benefits.
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