The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and cervical herniated nucleus pulposus at C5-C6, as well as his initial rating claim for CAD prior to June 18, 2018, TDIU from August 11, 2011 to June 18, 2018, and SMC based on the housebound criteria from October 1, 2018 to March 2, 2020 were denied. The Veteran's CAD was initially rated at 60 percent prior to June 18, 2018, and then increased to 100 percent effective October 1, 2018.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable Diagnostic Codes. The Veteran's cervical spine disability did not result in forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less, and there was no ankylosis. For CAD, the evidence showed left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction between 30% and 50%, which met the criteria for a 60 percent rating prior to June 18, 2018. The Veteran's TDIU claim from August 11, 2011 to June 18, 2018 was also denied as he had other service-connected disabilities that precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21012856
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 21012856.
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Related decisions
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance from June 1, 2011, to May 24, 2017, finding that his need for regular aid and attendance was not established during this period.
- Denied
The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence for the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The AOJ is required to readjudicate these claims, taking into consideration all submitted evidence.
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