Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination to assess his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating for residuals of lung cancer status post radiation therapy from 100 percent to 0 percent, effective February 1, 2012, was proper. The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated as 30 percent disabling and a higher evaluation is denied. TDIU claim has been recognized but further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate examination and opinion regarding whether coronary artery disease is aggravated by service-connected bilateral lower extremity PVD or right lower extremity DVT. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred or aggravated by service-connected disabilities and denied his claim for service connection on a secondary basis. The derivative TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disability, also claimed as systolic heart murmur, has been dismissed due to the Appellant withdrawing her appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's heart disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse was granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective May 23, 2006. The TDIU claim is granted from May 23, 2006 to August 13, 2007 due to the combined effect of service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues are service connection for hearing loss and service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease, claimed as associated with herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to initial and increased ratings for coronary artery disease status post triple bypass.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed heart disorders, including whether any currently diagnosed heart disorder was caused or aggravated by his service-connected chronic periodontal disease. Updated VA treatment records are also required.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran's claim remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis of the whole body, were denied as there is no credible evidence supporting his assertions of in-service exposure to herbicides or captivity as a prisoner of war. The Veteran's statements are found to be unreliable due to inconsistencies with other evidence of record and facial implausibility.

The Board has found that the Veteran's hypertension was caused by his time in service, and therefore grants service connection for hypertension. The heart disorder is also granted as it is less likely than not due to or aggravated by the service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with constant irregular sinus bradycardia rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 31, 2010, but no earlier, to July 31, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and new evidence has raised a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims. The effective date remains pending as it is not specified in the decision.

The Veteran's heart condition is not service-connected, but his skin disorder (claimed as rash) is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, otitis media (ear infections), residuals of a pituitary gland tumor, and headaches. The Board found that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in these conditions, and that any current conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to determine his need for aid and attendance or housebound benefits. The referred issues of service connection will also be addressed.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and heart condition are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's GERD as secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea.,A compensable initial evaluation for the Veteran's left foot fracture prior to February 22, 2016, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent thereafter are also granted.