The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating for CAD, as the most probative examination indicated a METs score of 1-3 due solely to service-connected conditions, which is below the threshold for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's METs score was 1-3 due to his service-connected coronary artery disease and stable angina, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as per VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease, stable angina
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 19, 2019
- Citation
- 19147924
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and bilateral vision condition was dismissed. Service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a heart condition to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding whether the Veteran's current heart condition is related to service, including in-service treatment for hypertension.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II, left eye diabetic retinopathy, left foot diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right foot diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and coronary artery disease, as well as the Veteran's cause of death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease to correct duty to assist errors, as there are no adequate medical opinions of record.
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