The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for coronary artery disease (CAD) with cardiomyopathy was granted, but the appeal for an increased rating from February 15, 2018 was denied. The claims for evaluations in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities were also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on the severity of the Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) with cardiomyopathy and peripheral neuropathy, as there was no indication of congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 30 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) with cardiomyopathy, Peripheral neuropathy of the lower left extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the lower right extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- April 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20024908
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 20024908.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper right, left extremities and lower limbs due to herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right extremities due to a medical nexus between in-service exposure and current diagnoses.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to missing records, including those from Mountain View Regional Medical Center. The issues are also inextricably intertwined with the SMC claim based on anatomical loss of the right foot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to exposure to herbicide agents, as the VA examinations were inadequate. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records indicate symptoms since service, but the VA examiner found no early-onset peripheral neuropathy related to herbicide exposure.
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