The Veteran's heart disability is granted a 100 percent rating prior to February 3, 2015. The claim for increased ratings of diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy in all four extremities is denied. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's heart disability was found to meet criteria for a 100 percent rating due to chronic congestive heart failure since 2008, resulting in more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year. The claim for increased ratings of diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy is denied as hypertension does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction, Hypertension, Diabetic neuropathy in right upper extremity, Diabetic neuropathy in left upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- December 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20080898
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 remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension, to include as secondary to left orchiectomy, for further development in accordance with the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board granted readjudication of previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, while remanding other issues including entitlement to service connection for an eye disorder, hypertension, tinnitus, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, and an initial rating for PTSD.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various disabilities and denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.