The Veteran's heart disability, characterized by an ejection fraction of more than 50 percent and no episodes of congestive heart failure, was rated at 30% from May 27, 2005 to July 2, 2009. As of January 2, 2013, the disability warranted a higher rating of 60%. The Veteran's limitation in activity level due to his heart condition is attributed to his service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran experienced dyspnea and fatigue at a workload of more than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs, which satisfied the criteria for a 60% rating under DC 7000.
- Claimed conditions
- aortic stenosis, heart murmur as residuals of rheumatic fever
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 9, 2014
- Citation
- 1440150
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 1440150.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Granted
The Veteran's cause of death, which included atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, is presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure during service at Fort McClellan. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of death.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for aortic insufficiency, aortic stenosis and congestive heart failure, and carotid artery disease. The conditions are related to in-service exposure to toxic substances and stress.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease/aortic stenosis status post aortic valve replacement was improper, and thus restored the original grant of service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease and aortic stenosis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether his current heart issues are related to his in-service diving. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
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