Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's coronary artery disease. The appeal is also being returned to ensure that all pertinent Social Security Administration (SSA) records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development and readjudication. The appellant is entitled to a statement of the case on these issues.

The Veteran's coronary artery bypass graft scar is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, tinnitus, and hypertension qualify him for special monthly compensation based on housebound status under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) should be February 20, 2007.

The Board found that the Veteran's cardiovascular disease, including residuals of a myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease, was not present in service or until many years thereafter and is not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability (bronchitis), heart disability, and bilateral eye disability. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's diagnosed paroxysmal arterial fibrillation (claimed as ischemic heart disease) had its onset many years after service and is not related to his military service, including as due to possible herbicide exposure while serving in Vietnam.

The Board found insufficient credible supporting evidence to corroborate the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and exposure, leading to a denial of service connection for a psychiatric disability.,There is no probative evidence linking the Veteran's heart disability to his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for a TDIU are not met.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service experiences. The issue of an increased evaluation for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicides remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart condition is not related to his service, specifically the soft systolic pulmonic murmur he experienced during his service. As a result, the claim for service connection for a heart condition is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and an increased rating for migraine headaches. The Veteran was not granted service connection for his claimed conditions, and no effective date is assigned as the ratings are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates have been decided. The grant of CAD, TDIU, and DEA benefits are upheld with the effective dates set at November 9, 1999. However, the reduction in rating for left lower extremity neuropathy is found to be proper.

The Veteran's appeal for initial evaluations and ratings on multiple conditions has been dismissed as the claims have all been withdrawn. The TDIU claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for an effective date prior to September 21, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a generalized anxiety disorder, started in service and is related to his military service. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for residuals, groin injury was reopened and granted service connection.,Service connection is granted for coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection is granted for a right knee disability.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining records from Eglin Air Force Base and VA medical records. The claims for PTSD, depression, and heart condition are intertwined with the claim for service connection of a scar from heart surgery.

The Veteran's heart disorder, hypertension, and thyroid removal residuals are being remanded for additional development as the Board finds that VA examinations are warranted to assess their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and readjudication, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.