Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that service connection for a heart disability, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and aortic regurgitation is granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to August 16, 2010 is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorder, fungal infection of the left great toe, and hypertension. The heart disability claim is pending as it relates to a direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions and potential exposure issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, particularly regarding his right ankle disability, headaches, and heart condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for a new hearing.

The Board has dismissed the issues regarding loss of toenail and fingernail, as well as the issue to reopen service connection for stress fractures. The remaining claims have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to care for herself without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension, is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for urinary incontinence and ischemic heart disease were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 60 percent for his urinary incontinence, and also did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 60 percent for his ischemic heart disease from August 27, 2004 through February 23, 2008 and from June 1, 2008 through October 12, 2010. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 30 percent since October 13, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and no evidence linking the condition to military service.,Service connection for hypertension was previously denied in September 2008, and the Veteran did not appeal within one year. The claim remains closed as it is considered final.

The Veteran died of atherosclerotic heart disease, which is service-connected as a former prisoner of war. The appellant's claim for DIC benefits was granted with an effective date of October 21, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular accident residuals, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA examinations and review of outpatient records.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has been rated at 10 percent since May 9, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no congestive heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on electrocardiogram, echocardiogram or X-ray, and the Veteran's exercise tolerance was within the range of less than 7 METs.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, including as secondary to PTSD, was granted. The TDIU claim prior to May 5, 2014, was also granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 20, 2007 for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicides. The earliest effective date is July 20, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease and hyperlipidemia, finding that there was no evidence of a current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. The Veteran had exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to May 21, 2013 was granted due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The hearing loss disability remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and his atherosclerosis (heart condition) results in a combined rating of 60 percent. The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability from August 13, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing chest X-rays and issues are inextricably intertwined. The Veteran's heart condition claim is deferred until these records are obtained.