The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) due to the lack of evidence showing cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation, and a left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 50 percent. The Board found that the Veteran’s METs levels were not reliable as they included consideration of comorbid conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on its severity, given his left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 50 percent and lack of evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19183795
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 19183795.
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
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) as he does not meet the criteria for an increased rate based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
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- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of death due to coronary artery disease, considering the Veteran's presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.
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