Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's heart condition, arteriosclerotic heart disease, was rated at 60 percent prior to September 10, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no chronic congestive heart failure, workload of less than 3 METs, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (status post myocardial infarction and stent placement) was granted effective March 9, 2010. The Board found that the earliest date on which it is factually ascertainable that the Veteran had ischemic heart disease was March 9, 2010, thus denying an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and type II diabetes mellitus have been granted.

The Board has determined that the issues are inextricably intertwined and must be remanded for further development. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for ischemic heart disease, including as due to exposure to an herbicide agent, is being returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity prior to October 30, 2015 that they preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's diagnosed cardiovascular conditions are not etiologically related to service, and are not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development to address the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions, including coronary artery disease (CAD), left diastolic dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, and tricuspid regurgitation.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected hypertension and for a heart disorder, diagnosed as diastolic dysfunction and mitral incompetence. The claims of increased disability ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and left hand have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for addendum opinions regarding heart disability and hypertension.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease was denied, with a denial of any increase in the rating from March 5, 2015. The Veteran had evidence of dilatation on an echocardiogram during the period from March 11, 2010 to March 4, 2015, warranting a 30 percent rating. From March 5, 2015, there was no evidence meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased disability rating for coronary artery disease and service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's claim of clear and unmistakable error in the March 1965 rating decision that granted service connection for a heart disorder was denied. The Board found no CUE as the correct facts were before the RO, and the application of law at the time did not change the outcome.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has precluded his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment for the entire appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition, including soft ejection cardiac murmur with postural changes, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and noting that any separation examination report showing a diagnosis of a heart condition was likely an error.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for coronary artery disease and PTSD were denied as there was no indication of a claim prior to December 7, 2009.,Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer are not presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found no service connection for the heart disorder but granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to depressive disorder. The heart disorder is not linked to service.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from October 1, 2008 to September 10, 2012 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation based on ischemic heart disease, status post myocardial infarction is denied as service connection was not in effect at the time of the myocardial infarction.

The Veteran's effective date for DEA benefits is set at July 9, 2009 due to the permanent and total service-connected disability of chronic congestive heart failure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, right thumb disability, back disability, hypertension, and coronary artery disease have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.