The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and irregular heartbeat, granted a 40 percent initial rating for low back disability, and denied an increased rating for left knee disability. The Board also granted a 20 percent initial rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the existence of current disabilities for heart and irregular heartbeat, while the Veteran's low back disability met the criteria for a 40 percent rating based on limited forward flexion and no unfavorable ankylosis. The left knee disability did not meet the criteria for increased ratings.

Claimed conditions

coronary artery disease (heart disability), irregular heartbeat, lumbosacral strain (low back disability), left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (left knee disability), fracture of the pinky of the right hand (right little finger), bilateral dry eye syndrome

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 14, 2025

Citation

A25088305

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine