Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Board denied increased ratings for ischemic heart disease and hypertensive vascular disease, both evaluated at various levels. The Moving Party's motion alleging CUE in these decisions was dismissed.

The Veteran's heart disorder, including hypertension, is service-connected as due to herbicide exposure.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, is also service-connected as due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 60 percent for his heart condition from January 2009, effective as of that date. He is also granted entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate prior to March 25, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to issues related to his malaria rating and CRSC for hypertensive vascular disease and ischemic heart disease. The issues are not yet resolved.

The Board found no evidence of a lumbar spine disability incurred or aggravated by service and denied the claim. For ischemic heart disease, the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during service, so presumptive service connection is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, and therefore service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes and related conditions, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that these disabilities alone were sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the VA opinion is not in substantial compliance with the August 2014 remand directives and has ordered a new supplemental medical opinion to determine if the Veteran has a current heart disorder related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and left knee injury with degenerative joint disease and a torn ligament, meet the percentage requirements for TDIU prior to July 18, 2012. The Board grants TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining inpatient service treatment records from Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia, related to the Veteran's heart disability. The Veteran is also requested to provide information about any private treatment records he received after his initial irregular heartbeat.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since December 23, 2015 and his coronary artery disease with hypertensive heart disease is rated at 60%. The Board has granted these ratings based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a VA videoconference hearing. The claims of service connection and rating are not addressed as they are in the process of being remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the remaining issues have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of those claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, and hypertension are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under applicable regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, including hypertension, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that no evidence supported herbicide exposure or a service-connected disability contributing to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for heart disability, including coronary artery disease. The case is now before the Board again after a previous remand.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for three vessel coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for a VA cardiac examination to determine the current nature and severity of his condition, including performing METs exercise testing if possible.