Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease results in a workload of 3 METs or less, causing dyspnea, fatigue, and angina. The Board finds that the criteria for a 100 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7005 have been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and the Board finds that his employment as an administrator at an unemployment office is substantially gainful.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is considered the principal cause of his death from cardiac arrest due to coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's heart disability, including coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, has been rated at 10 percent since August 2008. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new examinations. The TDIU claim may also be impacted by the outcome of these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he is limited to moderate physical and sedentary work not involving extensive social interaction.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation for coronary artery disease status post CABG and coronary stent placement is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide a new VA examination.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the November 1977 rating decision that denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, as there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a nexus between his cause of death and his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment consistent with his education, training, and work experience as of January 1, 2008.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective March 16, 2009. The Board has determined that the earliest possible effective date for this award is October 27, 2007.

The Veteran's death was caused by renal failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), and diabetes mellitus. The cause of these conditions is not service-connected.,VA treatment or care did not contribute to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, bronchitis/pulmonary disorder, and ischemic heart disease are related to his service exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for pulmonary embolism and heart disability, as these issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD remains pending, as does the TDIU claim which is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, tinnitus, coronary heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction, are rated at a combined 80 percent. The Board finds that these conditions render the Veteran unemployable due to their severity and his limited education and work experience.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a bilateral hand disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disorder and finds no evidence of such in service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's assertions regarding exposure to herbicides are not supported by the record, and there is no current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease as presumed due to herbicide exposure. As such, the claim for service connection for a heart disorder to include as due to herbicide agents exposure is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation. The appeal is now pending for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the initial grant of service connection.