The Board denied service connection for a heart disability and hypertension, both claimed as secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's heart attack in 2011 is not considered service-connected due to lack of evidence showing its onset during or immediately after service. Hypertension was also not shown to have had its onset within one year following service discharge.,The Board found no direct service connection for the conditions, and did not find presumptive service connection based on chronic diseases.
The deciding factor: There is insufficient evidence showing that the heart disability or hypertension were incurred in or aggravated by active duty service. The Veteran's service records do not indicate any history of these conditions during his period of service.,The Board also found no evidence to support a finding that the conditions became manifest within one year following service discharge, which would allow for presumptive service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- heart disability, hypertension
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20079847
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 20079847.
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).
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