The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were granted. The initial rating of 60 percent was assigned for coronary artery disease, effective May 1, 2007, with a subsequent increase to 100 percent effective June 10, 2013. Gout received an initial evaluation of 40 percent. Osteoarthritis and post-operative residuals of right shoulder surgery were each assigned an initial evaluation of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been found to meet the criteria for higher ratings based on their current severity as determined by VA examination reports and medical history.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary Artery Disease, Gout of Multiple Joints, Osteoarthritis of the Right Hand (Right Hand Disability), Post-operative Residuals of Right Shoulder Surgery (Dominant) with Degenerative Changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- March 29, 2017
- Citation
- 1709853
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 1709853.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective March 2, 2018, due to his service-connected disabilities including PTSD and other conditions. The decision also noted that the Veteran is currently self-employed as a truck driver.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a heart disability and hypertension due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ is required to obtain addendum medical opinions regarding toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC in excess of SMC(n) based on his service-connected conditions and additional disabilities, as well as his need for aid and attendance. The appeal was dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to pre-decisional error and insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart condition, hypertension, and hearing loss/tinnitus.
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