The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for cardiomyopathy and heart murmur with coronary artery disease, denied a compensable rating for hypertension, and denied an increased rating for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's heart condition warranted a 30 percent rating based on evidence of cardiac hypertrophy and workload greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, or syncope. The hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as diastolic pressure was predominantly below 100 and systolic pressure was predominantly below 160. The lumbar spine disability did not warrant an increased rating based on the evidence of forward flexion to 90 degrees and extension endpoint to 30 degrees with objective evidence of pain on motion.

Claimed conditions

Cardiomyopathy and heart murmur with coronary artery disease (CAD), Hypertension (HTN), Degenerative arthritis (DA) and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

30%

Decision date

December 2, 2025

Citation

A25103563

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