The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, his heart disease has not been linked to service, and the claimed chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and blackout spells are not related to service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability or establish service connection for his heart disease or the claimed chest symptoms. The Veteran's low back condition was found to be mild with no incapacitating episodes, muscle spasms, or abnormal gait. His heart disease and claimed chest symptoms were not linked to service.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, heart disease, a disability manifested by chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and blackout spells
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 13, 2009
- Citation
- 0938810
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 0938810.
What this means for you
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for artery disease, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty.
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