Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, a psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder and anxiety), and ischemic heart disease as these conditions are not shown to be related to his active duty.

The Veteran's heart disability was rated at 30 percent from December 1, 2006 to January 22, 2007. From January 23, 2007 to December 28, 2009, the rating was increased to 60 percent. The Veteran's disability remained at 30 percent from December 29, 2009 to May 9, 2013. As of September 1, 2013, a 60 percent rating was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment as of January 3, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart condition did not develop during service or within a year of discharge from service and it is not otherwise related to his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current heart condition and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a link between his current condition and active duty service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings and a TDIU was granted. He is now rated at 100 percent for coronary artery disease, 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, and 20 percent each for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities since December 11, 2014. Service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have resulted in the loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. Therefore, he is entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease resulted in a workload of greater than 5 to 7 METs with symptoms including dyspnea, fatigue and angina. This level of disability warrants a 30 percent rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the AOJ for further development and readjudication. The AOJ will schedule a videoconference hearing before the Board at the earliest opportunity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease secondary to herbicide agent exposure is being remanded due to the complexity of the issue and the need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for heart disease, including atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and an old myocardial infarction. The Veteran's PTSD is also found to be present and related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete information and need for additional medical opinions. The heart disorder claim will be reconsidered after obtaining service personnel records, verifying ACDUTRA periods, and obtaining private medical records.

The Veteran's interstitial fibrotic lung disease, a service-connected condition, was found to be the cause of his death.,The Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his severe pulmonary fibrosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and syncope are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her current diagnoses and their relationship to active service.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. His coronary artery disease has been rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure/HTN, and coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to his lumbar spine disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic low back disorder in service or within one year after separation from service.