The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support an increased rating at any stage of the appeal. For TDIU, the Veteran is granted as his service-connected conditions render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not show that the Veteran's CAD symptoms more nearly approximated the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 7017 at any stage of the appeal. The Board also found that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Claimed conditions
- CAD, adjustment disorder with depressed and anxious mood
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18103569
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 18103569.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 TDIU rating is granted with an effective date of March 15, 2017.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in May 2024, as the appellant was eligible but his claim is moot due to a calculation error and no case or controversy remains.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected ischemic heart disease, including coronary artery disease and three myocardial infarctions. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's ischemic heart disease (CAD) is rated at a maximum of 100 percent, as the evidence shows that a METs level of 1 to 3 results in angina, dizziness, or syncope.
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