Jim,
I’ve been fighting my claim since 1991 for PTSD. I was awarded 50% recently, then it was bumped to 100% P&T due to unemployability. The BVA just awarded me an effective date in April 1996. Two years ago, I was awarded 10% for CAD and 20% for DM2 due to AO exposure while in country as a combat Marine. My question is this: I thought CAD/IHDs were supposed to be getting around 60%. Did the VA overstate their decisions. Also, will the VA have to award back pay based on the 100% or a smaller amount? My doctors in 1991 said at that time I was 100%.
Reply:
The rating of CAD/IHD is much like any other. You are rated according
to the severity of your disability. In this case severity is measured by one of two numbers. There is the Ejection Fraction (EF) as is determined by echocardiography of the METS measurement as determined by a stress test.
Those numbers are then compared to The Schedule For Rating Disabilities for heart disease and the % of the rating is assigned. I have published many of these details on my web site.
I can't address retro pay without a lot more detail. If you believe there is retro pay due you your best bet is to contact an attorney who practices VA law to help you.