The Veteran's valvular heart disease resulted in a workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs, causing dyspnea, fatigue, angina, or dizziness. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's valvular heart disease resulted in a workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs, which is consistent with his current rating of 30 percent. The evidence does not support an increase to any higher rating based on the criteria provided by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Valvular heart disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 6, 2026
- Citation
- 26000098
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 26000098.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of January 9, 2023 for a 70% evaluation for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and for individual unemployability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease with a presence of coronary stent since February 4, 2022, based on workload of 3.0 METs or less resulting in heart failure symptoms.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart condition. The case will be reviewed again with a new opinion.
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