The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied, as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent. The TDIU claim was also denied due to the combined disability rating being less than 60% and the Veteran's inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7005, as there were no episodes of acute congestive heart failure in the past year or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction between 30 and 50 percent. The combined disability rating was less than 60%, and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not allow him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease (CAD), tinnitus, diabetes mellitus (DM), bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- September 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20062694
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 20062694.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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