The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for vasovagal syncope was denied as there were no cardiovascular symptoms to support a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was also denied, with the Board finding that his combined disability rating did not meet the required percentage standards and that he could still secure and follow substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran failed to attend a scheduled VA examination without good cause, which prevented the evaluation of his cardiovascular symptoms. The available medical evidence does not demonstrate abnormal echocardiogram or other clinically-related cardiological symptoms.,The Veteran's combined disability rating is 50%, which does not meet the required percentage standards for TDIU based on schedular criteria. Additionally, there are no contradicting probative medical opinions indicating that his disabilities prevent him from obtaining or following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- vasovagal syncope
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20001436
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.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of June 26, 1984, for the award of service connection for vasovagal syncope based on new and relevant service treatment records.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for vasovagal syncope and an initial 30% rating for obstructive sleep apnea from November 11, 2022 to May 8, 2023, but denied earlier effective dates and higher ratings for the same condition. The Board also granted a 50% rating for OSA from May 8, 2023, and an initial 30% rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for dizzy spells and headaches, finding that the current symptoms are not related to the in-service episode of vasovagal syncope and closed head injury. The claims for sciatica with scoliosis of the lumbar spine, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral foot condition are remanded for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the correct amount of his separation pay issued in July 1991, which was used for recouping VA disability compensation benefits. The Veteran argues that he received $30,000 in separation pay but DFAS records show a gross amount of $33,344.
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