The Veteran's initial rating for heart disability was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and erectile dysfunction, were found to be insufficient to warrant a TDIU prior to October 12, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected heart disability has not met the criteria for a higher initial rating of 60 percent since October 12, 2016. The combined schedular disability rating did not meet the minimum percentage requirements in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) for consideration of a TDIU prior to October 11, 2016.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic Heart Disease, Erectile Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19102963
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and a higher rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with muscle weakness, but granted an earlier effective date for the 60 percent disability rating for thrombosis, TIA or cerebral infarction with impairment of sphincter control and voiding dysfunction, and for service connection for pharynx and/or larynx and/or swallowing conditions residuals.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with MDD, service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the service-connected condition, and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance. However, it denied SMC based on housebound status.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for tension headaches effective September 13, 2022, but denied earlier effective dates and service connection for various conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased evaluation for the Veteran's psychiatric disability and granted TDIU beginning April 5, 2022.
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