Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board denied service connection for myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial disease, both of which the Veteran contends are related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Board found no current diagnosis of a myocardial infarction or peripheral arterial disease, and concluded that there is no nexus between these conditions and active service.

The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not confirm a diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease but noted it was less likely than not considered a form of ischemic heart disease. The condition does not fit within the generally accepted medical definition of ischemic heart disease, which excludes 'peripheral manifestations of arteriosclerosis.'

Claimed conditions
myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease
How they argued it
Presumptive (no nexus needed)
Exposure basis
Gulf War
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
September 12, 2019
Citation
19170375

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 19170375.

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.

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.