The Veteran's initial rating for old myocardial infarction and CAD is denied, as the condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances is also denied, as it does not meet criteria for a 70% rating. Appeals for service connection for back injury, high cholesterol, hypertension, and esophageal condition have been withdrawn.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s heart condition was rated at 30%, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 7005. The PTSD with depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances did not meet criteria for a higher 100% rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- old myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease (CAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 29, 2019
- Citation
- 19181768
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left foot bursitis and coronary artery disease, as well as special monthly compensation based on housebound status.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) effective June 1, 2021, and increased ratings for mid-sternum scar, left lower extremity (LLE) scar, and migraines to 10%, 20%, and 50% respectively, all effective October 26, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for the AOJ to provide the Veteran with notice concerning his right to a hearing on a supplemental claim in accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 3.103(b)(1) and (d)(1).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) based on the Veteran's presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.
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