The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for hypertension based on aggravation of a nonservice-connected condition by service-connected atrial fibrillation was denied. An initial disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for the service-connected atrial fibrillation with implanted cardiac pacemaker was granted. The issue of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating based on aggravation, as there were no blood pressure readings that met the specific diagnostic code requirements. The initial disability rating of 30 percent for atrial fibrillation with implanted cardiac pacemaker was granted under the revised General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, atriial fibrillation
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 18, 2022
- Citation
- A22021063
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 A22021063.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased rating for anxiety disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for hypertension, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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