Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted. The claims for neurodermatitis, heart disability, erectile dysfunction, respiratory disability, prostate disability, acquired psychiatric disability, cognitive disability, and shrapnel wound to the neck are being remanded.

The Board denied the claim for an effective date prior to March 24, 2003, for the grant of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to a lack of evidence showing that any unresolved claims were pending before this date.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, diagnosed as CAD, is presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure during active duty service in the Republic of Vietnam. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied ratings in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and anxiety reaction for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen for service connection of ischemic heart disease. The claim is further granted as it meets the criteria for presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure in Thailand during the Vietnam Era.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent and a prior effective date for coronary artery disease was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease was rated at 10 percent prior to January 27, 2005 and at 60 percent beginning on that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was manifested by ischemic heart disease requiring continuous medication for control, some atypical chest discomfort, mild left ventricular hypertrophy, sporadic unstable angina, some complaints of dizziness, status-post four stent placements, and left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction no worse than 55 percent prior to August 8, 2011. The criteria for a rating greater than 30 percent for coronary artery disease have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any heart disability. The TDIU claim is also dependent on resolving the service connection issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development, including scheduling a hearing and providing an SOC regarding his claims of entitlement to earlier effective dates for his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) disability rating and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to audio malfunctions during a previous hearing. A new video conference hearing will be scheduled for the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, various diagnosed psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine osteoarthritis, right thigh compressive neuropathy, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and a heart disorder (including atherosclerotic heart disease) are granted. The claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities associated with diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Reserve records and providing an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension and heart disorder.

The Board found that the appellant's coronary artery disease and brain disorder were not incurred or aggravated by active military service, with the exception of a history of smoking which may have contributed to his current conditions. The VA examinations did not provide sufficient evidence to establish whether the disorders preexisted service.

The Veteran's CAD has been rated at 30 percent since May 2009, effective from the date of his initial grant of service connection for CAD. This rating is in place until June 8, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of ischemic heart disease during service or due to military exposure, and the VA examiner concluded that the appellant does not suffer from this condition. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and a cervical spine disability have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the evidence does not support a finding that they are related to service.