The Board has granted a total rating for heart disease effective July 19, 2017. However, the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 60 percent for heart disease prior to that date is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's heart disease was rated under DC 7005 (coronary artery disease) and requires chronic congestive heart failure or specific workloads resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope for a total rating. The Board is remanding the case to assess the historical severity of his heart disease without oxygen therapy.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease, Chronic congestive heart failure
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20015069
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 20015069.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 30 percent prior to July 18, 2014, and a higher than 60 percent rating thereafter for ischemic heart disease is being remanded due to incomplete evidence. The examiner needs to provide more detailed information about the severity of his service-connected condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2010. Additionally, he is in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for HISA benefits is granted as the modification requested (a barrier free, roll-in shower) falls within the scope of HISA and addresses his medical need due to his service-connected coronary artery disease.
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