The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery bypass grafting with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease, hypertension, low back strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted ratings. The highest possible rating of 100 percent has been assigned for the Veteran's coronary artery bypass grafting with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease due to constant albuminuria with some edema; or definite decrease in kidney function; or hypertension at least 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7101. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for hypertension. The Veteran's low back strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated as 40 percent each, but not higher, based on limitation of motion under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (General Rating Formula). Bilateral hearing loss has also been granted a separate rating of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated according to their specific diagnostic codes, with the highest possible ratings assigned based on the severity of his symptoms and medical findings. The General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (General Rating Formula) dictates that a rating higher than 40 percent is not warranted for low back strain due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or functional equivalent thereof.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery bypass grafting with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease, Hypertension, Low back strain, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- February 28, 2024
- Citation
- 24009689
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 24009689.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
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