The veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective from October 5, 1998. The RO found that the veteran had been prevented from engaging in substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected heart condition since July 31, 1997.
The deciding factor: VA medical records and SSA earnings statements show that the veteran was unable to work due to his service-connected rheumatic heart disease since at least July 31, 1997.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatic heart disease, pes planus with hallux valgus (bilateral), sensorineural hearing loss, right ear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- December 4, 2002
- Citation
- 0217487
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 0217487.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an etiological opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected sensorineural hearing loss was a contributory cause of death.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and sensorineural hearing loss due to untimely notice of disagreement, while remanding the claim for hypertension for further development.
- Partly granted
The appeal was denied for an increased rating of tinnitus and remanded for further development on other service connection claims.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for sensorineural hearing loss and remanded the claim for a back disability for further development.
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.