The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a cardiac disorder, including as due to exposure to environmental hazards in the Persian Gulf and on a secondary basis. The case is being returned for additional development.
The deciding factor: The September 2023 VA examiner did not substantially comply with the January 2023 Board remand regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected COPD aggravated his diagnosed cardiac disorders, as their opinion was inadequate in terms of the standard applied.
- Claimed conditions
- Atrial fibrillation, Heart block status-post pericardiectomy for treatment of constrictive pericarditis, Coronary artery disease
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23062650
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 23062650.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2010. Additionally, he is in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for HISA benefits is granted as the modification requested (a barrier free, roll-in shower) falls within the scope of HISA and addresses his medical need due to his service-connected coronary artery disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA examination, which is necessary for a fully informed decision on the Veteran's heart disability claim.
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