The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease was denied. Separate compensable ratings for service-connected heart disabilities and hypothyroidism were also denied. The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective August 10, 2022, due to his service-connected IHD. SMC for statutory housebound was granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in excess of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease (IHD). The Veteran's hypothyroidism symptoms were found to be cardiovascular in nature, precluding separate ratings under DC 7903. The Board concluded that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), Hypothyroidism
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2026
- Citation
- A26001398
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 A26001398.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a heart disability and hypertension due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ is required to obtain addendum medical opinions regarding toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), aortic valve regurgitation, and hypothyroidism as the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis or chronic symptoms.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, Hypothyroidism, and Hypertension. The decision is based on direct evidence of these conditions during service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for right shin splints due to inadequate examination and failure to address increased symptomatology during flare-ups. The Veteran's service connection for hypothyroidism was granted in full, leaving only her right shin splint issue on appeal.
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