Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for coronary artery disease was denied, and his claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was also denied because the need was not due to service-connected disabilities.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating for coronary artery disease, as it did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year. The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance was determined to be primarily due to his non-service-connected chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis.

Claimed conditions
coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremity
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
30%
Decision date
January 22, 2021
Citation
21003746

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 21003746.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

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.