The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) from November 5, 2002 to June 12, 2011 is granted. The claim for a higher rating in excess of 30 percent prior to June 13, 2011 is denied. The Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the fact of one service-connected disability rated at 100 percent and additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable as 60 percent or more prior to June 13, 2011 is also denied. The claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 15, 2005 is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for CAD prior to June 13, 2011. The Veteran's tinnitus has been rated at maximum schedular rating since November 15, 2005. The Veteran did not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100% disabling and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more prior to June 13, 2011 for SMC eligibility.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease (CAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20007712
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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