The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for coronary artery disease (CAD) are denied as the evidence does not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure, a workload greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.,The Veteran's increased rating for CAD beginning March 30, 2011 is denied as the evidence does not show chronic congestive heart failure, a workload of less than 3 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.,The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II are denied as the evidence does not show regulation of activities, required daily insulin use, or hospitalizations during the period at issue.,The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy in the right lower extremity are denied as the evidence does not show moderate, incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy in the left lower extremity are denied as the evidence does not show moderate, incomplete paralysis.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence shows that the Veteran’s heart disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to March 30, 2011 and from March 30, 2011 onwards, his workload performance was consistently above 5 METs without experiencing relevant symptoms such as fatigue or dyspnea.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy in the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy in the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 5, 2018
- Citation
- 18140673
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What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus; granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and skin cancer; and restored the 10 percent rating for hypertension.
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