The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his heart disability prior to July 30, 2019 was denied as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure or workload of greater than 3 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current left ventricular ejection fraction is at least 55%, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7000.
- Claimed conditions
- Rheumatic heart disease, Coronary heart disease, Non-tender or painful scar (heart disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20034860
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 20034860.
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 has granted service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether symptomatology and conditions suffered during service resulted in the Veteran's current condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (coronary heart disease, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss) prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation.
- Dismissed
The Board has vacated the remand decision because the Veteran withdrew his appeal, and thus the issue is dismissed.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's anxiety disorder is granted a 70 percent rating effective May 8, 2016. His coronary heart disease remains at 30 and 60 percent ratings respectively.
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