Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's lay statements of in-service noise exposure are credible. The heart disorder claim is remanded as new VA examination and opinion are needed to determine if it was incurred during service or due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran seeks service connection for heart attacks with stents (heart condition) secondary to his service-connected depression NOS. The Board finds the November 2013 VA examiner's opinion inadequate and requires an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's heart condition is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected depression NOS.

The Board has remanded the case due to new developments with regards to the Veteran's heart disability, including hospitalization reports. The claim will be further developed and readjudicated.

The Veteran's IHD status post myocardial infarction is rated at 10 percent from September 27, 2001, to October 26, 2008; 30 percent from October 27, 2008, to December 3, 2008; and 10 percent thereafter. The current rating is appropriate based on the use of continuous medication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder and eye disability were not incurred or aggravated by active service, nor are they proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is currently rated at 30 percent prior to November 28, 2012 and 100 percent thereafter. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD, ischemic heart condition, tinnitus, lumbar osteoarthritis, radiculopathy of the right leg, and ankle strain have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU based on his PTSD alone.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional VA examinations to determine if the Veteran's heart condition and respiratory conditions are related to his military service, including any potential radiation exposure or parachute injury.

The Board has determined that coronary spasm, which is considered a form of ischemic heart disease and listed in the VA's regulations as potentially due to exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam, contributed substantially and materially to the Veteran's death. As such, service connection for the cause of death is granted on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, status-post myocardial infarction and CABG, required continuous medication prior to August 26, 2016. As of August 26, 2016, the condition showed evidence of cardiac hypertrophy on electrocardiogram. The Board found that these criteria did not meet the requirements for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease with stent replacement was rated at 30 percent from September 1, 2011 through February 10, 2015. The VA examiner found that the Veteran demonstrated dyspnea on workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness or syncope.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on Aid and Attendance and/or Housebound is being remanded due to the need for VCAA-compliant notice and a VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from the July 2015 VA examiner regarding the extent of functional impairment due to his service-connected right and left upper and lower extremity neuritis.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current heart disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for a heart condition is denied. The claim of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are not service-connected due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during military service. The acquired psychiatric disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, heart disability, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are not related to his active service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are being remanded due to the need for verification of herbicide exposure, an opinion on the etiology of his current conditions, and additional VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is not related to his service, and thus denied this claim. The remaining issues of bilateral ankle disorder, left knee strain, and right knee arthritis are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to January 17, 2008 for service connection of ischemic heart disease was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not file a formal or informal claim for this condition before January 17, 2008.