The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his coronary artery disease (CAD) was denied by the Board. The evidence showed that throughout the period on appeal, the Veteran’s CAD had been manifested by a workload of greater than three metabolic equivalents of task (METs) resulting in dyspnea and fatigue, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 30 percent and no acute congestive heart failure. The Board found that the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent were not met.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish chronic congestive heart failure or a workload of three METs or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; nor left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent. The Veteran's current disability rating was found to be consistent with his May 2019 VA examination report.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease (CAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- January 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20002001
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.
- 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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