The Veteran's initial evaluation for coronary artery disease with pacemaker implant was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to October 12, 2019. From October 12, 2019, to the present, his evaluation remains at 60 percent.,The Veteran's initial evaluation for residuals of right knee replacement associated with arthritis was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 1, 2014.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support meeting the criteria for increased evaluations under applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of specific symptoms or findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease with pacemaker implant, Right knee arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20064556
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,316 · Granted: 43% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 20064556.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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 case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right leg/knee condition is related to service, including a preexisting condition. The Veteran provided testimony and new medical records that may be relevant.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the Board making a decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right knee arthritis, and left knee arthritis. The claims for PTSD and radiculopathy are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the severity of the Veteran's right knee conditions, specifically regarding the ameliorative effects of medications used for pain management. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion addressing these issues.
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