Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his coronary artery disease, liver disease (status post-transplant), and ulcerative colitis were denied. The rating for the coronary artery disease was reduced from 60 percent to 30 percent effective November 1, 2009. No compensable rating is assigned for the Veteran's ulcerative colitis.

The Veteran does not have a history of rheumatic heart disease, and his currently diagnosed cardiovascular disorders are not related to an in-service sore throat.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, which contributed to his fatal hypertensive heart disease, is more likely than not related to service. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of a heart disability and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The initial ratings for cubital tunnel syndrome were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for heart disease, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, back disability, and neck disability.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is found to be the basis for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his inability to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete active duty service treatment records and the need for further examinations regarding each of the disabilities on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing certificate is granted. The special home adaptation grant claim is denied as moot.

The Veteran's three-vessel disease is presumed service-connected due to in-service herbicide agent exposure. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran had service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam Era, and therefore he is presumed exposed to herbicides. His current bilateral hearing loss may be related to his preexisting condition, but the examiner's opinion does not adequately address this issue. The Veteran's tinnitus is less likely than not caused by or a result of acoustic trauma in service. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is less likely than not caused by or a result of service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and Vet Center treatment records, and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if he has ischemic heart disease. The issues of service connection for ischemic heart disease and an increased rating for PTSD are also being addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development and consideration of all evidence, including newly received VA examination opinions. The claims for service connection and TDIU will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability was not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service and denied his claim. For the low back disability, the Court determined that the September 2014 rating decision did not properly consider the Veteran's symptoms related to limitation of motion, altered gait, spasms, pain, flare-ups lasting two to three days, discomfort, stiffness, weakness, achiness, and tightness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation beginning September 26, 2008. As such, an effective date of June 13, 2012 for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder and coronary artery disease have been found to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, and he is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability. Additionally, the Veteran is also eligible for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular heart hypertrophy, coronary artery disease, and tuberculosis, require the regular aid and attendance of another person for assistance due to physical incapacity when caring for his daily personal needs. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for ischemic heart disease and TDIU have not been decided.