The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his implanted cardiac pacemaker complication due to endocarditis status post aortic valve replacement was denied as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, or a workload of greater than 3 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability level did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7016 as there were no more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year and his workload was greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs, resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.
- Claimed conditions
- Endocarditis status post aortic valve replacement due to aortic stenosis, Implanted cardiac pacemaker
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- July 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20048957
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 20048957.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's cardiac condition, including bradycardia with an implanted pacemaker, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's Barrett's esophagitis and GERD were granted service connection as they developed during his military service. However, the Veteran's supraventricular arrhythmia, implanted cardiac pacemaker, and sick sinus syndrome were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's heart condition, including bradycardia with ventricular arrhythmia and an implanted cardiac pacemaker, was not found to be related to his service. The Board determined that the evidence did not show a direct link between the Veteran's current heart conditions and his military service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating higher than 60 percent for the Veteran's heart disabilities and granted service connection for major vascular neurocognitive disorder, but denied special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l).
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