The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder was granted, and he was also awarded a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The increase in the ratings for his low back disability from 10 to 20 percent as of February 20, 2008, and then to 40 percent since January 28, 2010, was granted. His claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported the grant of service connection for the heart disorder based on credible medical evidence showing that his heart palpitations began during his service and were aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The TDIU was also granted as he had multiple service-connected conditions rendering him unable to obtain or maintain employment.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), chronic low back strain, heart disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20040682
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 20040682.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange exposure.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, to include ischemic heart disease (IHD), finding that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current condition and his military service. The Board noted that the Veteran did not have active military service from January 9, 1962, to July 31, 1980, and that he was not exposed to herbicide agents during his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left hip disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, heart disorder, insomnia, sexual arousal disorder, gynecological disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, and HTN. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of these conditions or their relationship to military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a heart disorder due to insufficient examination opinions and failure to consider potential exposure to diesel fumes during service.
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