The rating reduction from 100 percent to 10 percent for status-post aortic valve replacement, effective May 1, 2018, was proper. The Veteran's lesser 10 percent rating is commensurate with the results of his February 2018 exercise stress test and February 2019 VA examination.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed improvement in the Veteran’s actual ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, including a February 2018 exercise stress test showing him capable of performing 11 metabolic equivalents (METs) and no symptomology during the February 2019 VA examination.
- Claimed conditions
- aortic valve replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 20, 2019
- Citation
- A19001414
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 A19001414.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for non-rheumatic aortic valve stenosis and aortic valve replacement due to missing treatment records and the need for an opinion on the relationship between these conditions and in-service toxic exposure.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for aortic valve replacement since December 21, 2021 was granted. The claim for a compensable rating for the midline chest scar was denied. Other issues were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and aortic valve replacement as secondary to coronary artery disease are remanded due to the need for a VA opinion regarding exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of aortic valve replacement and heart murmur was denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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