Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and claudication of the lower extremities were denied as they are not related to his military service. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA social and industrial survey to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide the requested VA examinations. The issues include secondary service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evaluations and a vocational expert review.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's evaluation for service-connected ischemic heart disease status post CABG from 30 percent to 10 percent was not proper and restored the original 30 percent rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran died of causes related to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD and CAD. The Board is remanding the case for a supplemental opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The claim for service connection for the cause of death was initially denied in 2004. New evidence has been submitted, reopening the claim. The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic head and neck cancer, but there is no clear evidence of ischemic heart disease contributing to his death.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, status post bypass surgery, was rated at 30 percent prior to March 22, 2012. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 60 percent is warranted for this period.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a currently diagnosed cervical spine, heart, or headache disability. The Veteran's asthma was not evaluated for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his hypertensive heart disease due to a lack of compliance with previous instructions, specifically regarding exercise stress testing.

The Veteran seeks service connection for ischemic heart disease, claiming it is due to exposure to herbicides. The Board has determined that the case must be returned to the AOJ for consideration of the Court's decision in Gray and any additional guidance regarding VA's definition of inland waterways as it pertains to locations such as Vung Tau Harbor.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board found that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent, and therefore denied his claim.

The Veteran is found unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) on the issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran and his attorney must be advised of the time limit in which they may file a Substantive Appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability and hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, hepatitis A, dermatophytosis of the left hand and ischemic heart disease. The appeals are dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, coronary artery disease, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to perform his activities of daily living without regular assistance from another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.