A Blue Water Navy veteran with Agent Orange exposure has serious heart conditions: ischemic heart disease, multiple bypasses, tachycardia, arrhythmias, cardiac ablation, and an ICD implant. VA closed the claim at 60%, which qualifies for SMC-S—but is that where it should stop? Here’s what to look at next: • ICD implants can support a 100% rating, depending on how VA rates the condition • Coronary artery disease (CAD) and the ICD should often be rated as separate conditions • Separate ratings may