The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease due to a final denial in July 2013, and the claim was reopened based on new evidence submitted in December 2016. The effective date is set at December 2, 2015.
The deciding factor: The Board found that an earlier effective date prior to December 2, 2015 for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease was not warranted as it would be more than one year after the effective date of the law or VA issue recognizing herbicide exposure in Air Force bases in Thailand.
- Claimed conditions
- ischemic heart disease (IHD)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 28, 2020
- Citation
- A20009476
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 A20009476.
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 Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected ischemic heart disease (IHD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical opinions and ensuring competency of previous examiners.
- Denied
The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective November 21, 2024. The effective date for the initial 70% rating for adjustment disorder is February 11, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, urinary incontinence, diabetes mellitus, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to failure to obtain all relevant medical records from Dr. DG.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, left hip replacement, and PTSD. The decision grants special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.
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.