The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease, but the Board finds no evidence of a claim prior to July 1, 2015.,The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point in this appeal.,A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of the post-surgery scar.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence of an earlier claim for service connection prior to July 1, 2015. The Veteran's entitlement to service connection preceded his original claim; therefore, the effective date is the date of the claim.,The criteria for a higher rating have not been met at any point in this appeal as the Veteran does not meet the workload or ejection fraction requirements for a higher rating.,The post-surgery scar has worsened since the last examination and requires a more current VA examination to assess its severity.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease, Post-surgery scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19171885
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 19171885.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2010. Additionally, he is in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for HISA benefits is granted as the modification requested (a barrier free, roll-in shower) falls within the scope of HISA and addresses his medical need due to his service-connected coronary artery disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA examination, which is necessary for a fully informed decision on the Veteran's heart disability claim.
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