The Board denied service connection for a cardiovascular condition, post-aortobifemoral bypass surgery scar, and numbness of the left medial thigh (claimed as a residual of cardiovascular surgery) due to lack of causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
The deciding factor: The most probative medical evidence indicated that the Veteran’s peripheral vascular disease was not causally related to his service, thus negating any potential for service connection under both presumptive and direct theories.
- Claimed conditions
- cardiovascular condition, post-aortobifemoral bypass surgery scar, numbness of the left medial thigh
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20025804
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20025804.
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: Dismissed
Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. No rating decision was made on any of your claims.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further investigation into toxic exposure risk activities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a cardiovascular condition and a lung condition to have the AOJ undertake development to attempt to corroborate the Veteran's contentions regarding his purported exposure to toxic herbicide agents while in service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for GERD, dyspepsia, a cardiovascular condition, and a right wrist condition due to inadequate VA examinations.
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.