Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension and peripheral neuropathy, are pending. The claim for left ear hearing loss is denied. Service connection for high cholesterol is not warranted as it does not constitute a recognized disability.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, duodenal ulcer, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claims of hypertension and duodenal ulcer, but not for ischemic heart disease. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have onset during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The heart disorder appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran before a decision could be made. Service connection for hypertension, claimed as secondary to a service-connected disability, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected ischemic heart disease with hypertensive heart disease is being remanded due to the need for additional VA outpatient treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection are denied as the earliest assignable date is September 11, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability was not incurred or aggravated in ADT service and denied his claims for secondary service connection for hypertension and psychiatric disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, rhabdomyolysis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of hypertension and coronary artery disease.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's authorized representative before a decision was made.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the claims for service connection for tinnitus/ear ringing, mid and low back pain, left shoulder pain, right hip pain, and a heart condition prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of ischemic heart disease has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a heart condition were denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or event, and the current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's CAD, status-post MI, was rated at 10 percent prior to May 15, 2013, and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The current rating is considered appropriate given the evidence showing a workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease has prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment effective the date he discontinued working in 2014, due to his vocational background and current physical limitations.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and peri incisional numbness, finding no evidence of current heart disorders related to active duty or Reserve service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is causally related to his in-service military stressors and granted service connection for PTSD. The heart disease was not linked to service, but the erectile dysfunction secondary to medications for PTSD was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a kidney condition and granted it. Service connection was also granted for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure. The claims for left lower extremity amputation as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II; right lower extremity amputation as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II; and an eye condition as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II are also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new VA treatment records received after the March 2015 supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for ischemic heart disease and granted it on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure during service.