Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension and found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen a previously denied claim of service connection for a heart disability.

The Board has acknowledged the Veteran's service but needs to verify all periods of service, including a period from March 1962 to March 1965. Additional records need to be obtained and reviewed before any decision can be made.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ACAD) status post myocardial infarction with stent placement is being remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for a heart condition and a psychiatric disability (PTSD). The evidence submitted since the last final decisions is not considered new and material.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 90% for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension, heart disorder (including CAD and residuals of myocardial infarction), and lumbar spine disorder due to potential issues with the examination opinions provided. The Veteran's PTSD is already service connected.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was granted, but the effective date is not specified. The current rating of 10 percent has been maintained.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is granted with a rating of 60 percent, effective from February 28, 1994. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations (60 percent). The post-operative residuals of left ankle injury and left great toe bunion with hallux valgus are both rated at the highest possible under VA regulations (10 percent each), effective from February 28, 1994. The Veteran's scar associated with left great toe with hallux valgus is granted a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection for a heart disability secondary to PTSD and seeking an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, diagnosed as coronary artery disease, results in dyspnea and angina under a workload of 3 METS or less. This meets the criteria for an initial disability rating of 100 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected cardiac arrhythmia does not encompass a separate heart disability, and thus denied both issues. The Veteran's current irregular heartbeat was determined to be unrelated to his in-service condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently have a diagnosed heart disorder, and thus cannot establish service connection for congenital heart disease or bicuspid aortic valve.

The Veteran's bilateral cataracts are not service-connected and do not warrant a compensable rating.,Service connection for hypertension is denied as the evidence does not establish that it began during or was caused by active duty service.,Service connection for a heart disability (claimed as atherosclerosis) is denied due to insufficient evidence linking the condition to service.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for chronic kidney dysfunction and polyuria claimed to be due to nephrectomy occurring at a VA facility is denied because informed consent was present, and there is no proximate cause of the disability from the procedure.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a back disability claimed to be due to nephrectomy occurring at a VA facility is denied as the Veteran's condition did not result from the procedure.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU rating prior to September 27, 2013. The Board has remanded the case for additional development including obtaining clarification of employment history and providing an opinion on the functional impairment caused solely by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and lower extremity neuropathies have not rendered him unemployable. The Board finds that his disabilities alone do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his active service in Vietnam. The AOJ is instructed to conduct further research and provide additional information before making a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The Board also determined that he did not have qualifying 'service in the Republic of Vietnam' as defined by law, and therefore could not be presumed exposed to herbicide agents during such service.

The Veteran's appeal for VA reimbursement of private medical expenses from September 9, 2011 is denied as he did not meet the legal requirements for such benefits under applicable laws and regulations.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, bladder cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and heart condition were not shown to be related to his military service. The Board found no competent evidence or opinion suggesting a medical relationship between these disabilities and the Veteran's military service.