The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of arteriosclerotic heart disease is denied, and the issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy affecting the bilateral feet and hands is remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under DC 7005 due to lack of established METs testing, no episodes of congestive heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 50 percent. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy claim requires additional medical opinion regarding service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease), Peripheral neuropathy affecting the bilateral feet and hands
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 2, 2020
- Citation
- 20076581
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 20076581.
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.
- Granted
The Board has restored service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension due to a presumption of exposure based on service in or near the Korean DMZ. Service connection for scar as secondary to diverticulitis of colon is dismissed.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection, as well as an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a gynecological disability, heart disability, and bilateral knee disability to obtain additional medical opinions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) due to exposure to toxic substances at Ellsworth Air Force Base during active duty.
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