Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, which was rated at 10 percent prior to June 25, 2008 and at 30 percent from June 25, 2008 to November 16, 2014, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus II, and heart disease, has been remanded due to the need for a new video conference hearing.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation, as it does not result in more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year or chronic congestive heart failure. The current 60 percent rating adequately reflects the severity and symptoms of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, PTSD, TBI, and a compensable rating for post-operative scarring from CABG were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's widow is seeking retroactive benefits for service connection for ischemic heart disease, which was diagnosed as hypertensive cardiovascular disease with chronic congestive heart failure. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and determine the precise nature of the Veteran's heart disease.

The Veteran's death was caused by coronary artery atherosclerosis, which is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his service and there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease associated with herbicide exposure was granted effective June 21, 2011. The erectile dysfunction claim is not addressed as it does not involve the same exposure basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disorder, hand tremor disorder, seizure disorder, and kidney disorder due to herbicide exposure. The appeals were based on presumptive service connection under the Agent Orange Act of 1991.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hypertension had its onset during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and left leg neuropathy have been rated based on their current severity. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his diabetes mellitus (to 40%) and left leg neuropathy (to 20%), effective December 24, 2013, and December 3, 2014 respectively. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease remains at a 30% rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, prior to September 15, 2014, and in excess of 30 percent from that date was denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that he was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam, and thus denied service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, claimed as coronary artery disease, is denied because the evidence does not show the existence of a current heart disability separate from his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD is shown to have developed as a result of traumatic events in service including his fear of hostile military activity, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) effective June 28, 2011, based on the Veteran's presumed exposure to herbicides during active service in Vietnam. The evidence indicates that CAD existed continuously from one year earlier until the date of his claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease, including MI residuals. The claim is now considered on its merits and it is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) due to additional evidence received after the last SSOC. The VA examiner is required to provide an opinion on the extent of disability related to service-connected CAD, including METs level and whether it contributes to reduced workload capacity.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and heart disease due to herbicide exposure. The claims are granted as presumptive under VA regulations.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.